AirAsia joins Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to shape the future of air travel
SEPANG, 12 September 2024 - Malaysia-based AirAsia, the fourth largest airline in Asia, has joined Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to help shape the future of regional electric aviation. As a member of the board, AirAsia will provide strategic guidance and oversight on the design, development, and commercialisation of Heart Aerospace’s revolutionary hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.
The Industry 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.
AirAsia, known for democratising air travel in Southeast Asia, operates across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, China, India, Australia and beyond. With a mission to serve underserved communities, the airline has been a key player in making air travel more accessible across the region. With innovation, value and choice underpinning the brand, the airline is well-placed to provide industry-leading guidance on the new era of electric air travel.
Furthermore, sustainability is a key focus for AirAsia. As part of its long-term goals, AirAsia aims to cut its net CO2 emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2050.
“At AirAsia, we are committed to exploring new technologies that align with our focus on operational efficiency and sustainability,” said Captain Chester Voo, Deputy CEO (Airline Operations) at AirAsia Aviation Group. “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.”
“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,” said Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace. “Their expertise and insights will help us deliver the most environmentally friendly, affordable, and accessible form of air transport.”
Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a regional electric aircraft designed to accommodate 30 passengers. It will feature 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.