AirAsia joined the industry advisory board of Heart Aerospace to help guide the future of sustainable aviation within Asia.

As part of the board, AirAsia is set to provide strategic guidance and oversight on the design, development, and commercialisation of the ES-30, Heart Aerospace’s revolutionary hybrid-electric aircraft.

AirAsia Aviation Group deputy CEO for airline operations Chester Voo said: “While electric and hybrid-electric aircraft are still nascent in Asia, they represent a compelling future for sustainable air travel. We look forward to contributing our aviation experience and insights from this dynamic region to Heart Aerospace’s pioneering work.”

Heart Aerospace president and chief commercial officer Simon Newitt added: “With its remarkable success in making air travel affordable and its strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, AirAsia will be an invaluable advisor to Heart Aerospace. Their expertise and insights will help us deliver the most environmentally friendly, affordable, and accessible form of air transport.”

Currently, Heart Aerospace’s industrial advisory board consists of leading airlines, leasing companies, and airports worldwide—each representing critical components of the aviation ecosystem necessary to support the transformative shift toward electric air travel.

A revolution in the industry

Heart Aerospace is currently developing its ES-30, a regional electric aircraft designed to accommodate 30 passengers. 

This aircraft boasts of an electric, zero-emissions range of 200 kilometres, a hybrid-electric range of 400 kilometres with 30 passengers, and an extended range of up to 800 kilometres with 25 passengers, all while exceeding standard airline fuel reserve requirements.

To date, Heart Aerospace has secured 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120 planes, as well as letters of intent for 191 more aircraft.