United Airlines Backs Heart's Plans For Electric Regional Airliner

Heart Aerospace now says it has commitments for more than 400 of its ES-19 electric aircraft, which will carry 19 passengers up to around 250 miles.

United Airlines is the latest carrier to support Heart Aerospace's ES-19 electric aircraft program, with an investment and a 100-ship order for regional affiliate Mesa Airlines. (Image: Heart Aerospace)

By Gregory Polek • Senior Editor

July 13, 2021

United Airlines Ventures (UAV) and Mesa Air Group are joining Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) to invest in electric aircraft developer Heart Aerospace in a $35 million Series A funding round. The Heart Aerospace ES-19, a 19-seat electric aircraft under development that would fly to a range of 250 miles, will enter service before the end of the decade, according to the Swedish start-up.

Parent company United Airlines on July 13 said that, along with United Express partner Mesa Airlines, it has conditionally agreed to purchase 200 ES-19s “once the aircraft meet United's safety, business, and operating requirements.” The two operators also hold options for another 100 of the aircraft. Earlier this year, United and Mesa announced plans to add up to 200 of Archer's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft to their fleets as part of plans to offer passengers transportation to and from major hub airports.

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