United Airlines Investing in An All-Electric ES-19 Aircraft

There is a growing interest in the airline industry to decarbonize their flight operations. Universal Hydrogen which is a Venice-based aerospace company specializing in carbon-free flight technology, announced deals with different airline companies. United Airlines, on the other hand, is interested in investing in an all-electric ES-19 aircraft.

Hydrogen-Powered Crafts

Universal Hydrogen signed a deal to supply hydrogen fuel services to Corvus Airlines. Corvus Airlines conducts business with Air Nostrum and Icelandair Group.

According to Carlos Bertomeu who is the president and chief executive for Air Nostrum, “Each day, our airline explores innovative solutions to provide a travel experience with minimal adverse impact on the environment”.

Icelandair’s DHC-8-200 aircraft could potentially be the one to receive Universal Hydrogen’s conversion kit. According to Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair Group, “Universal Hydrogen’s work across both fuel logistics and services as well as aircraft conversions would allow us to accelerate our pursuit of a fully decarbonized domestic fleet”.

All-Electric  ES-19

United is investing in a new electric aircraft startup Heart Aerospace. The airline partnered with Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Mesa Airlines and invested $35 billion in the development of Heart Aerospace’s ES-19 aircraft.

United “conditionally agreed” to buy 100 units of ES-19 from Heart Aerospace. However, the startup needs to meet the operational requirements made by United Airlines. United’s regional subsidiary Mesa Airlines is also buying 100 ES-19 if the startup meets the same criteria made by United.

Heart Aerospace is currently developing the ES-19 which is an all-electric craft that can travel up to 217nm. This is going to be ready for certification in both Europe and the US by 2026. Last year, the startup has been testing its propulsion system. The startup received letters from different airlines such as SAS, Wideroe, Air Greenland, and Finnair.

United’s Vice President Corp Development and Investor Relations Michael Leskinen said that “We recognize that customers want even more ownership of their own carbon emission footprint”.