On Thursday, Air Canada stated it would buy 30 electric-hybrid regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace. This becomes the need as more airlines turn to new technologies to lower emissions and fuel costs.

Global airlines are making plans to deal with climate change as they face mounting pressure from environmental groups and regulators over the effect of billions of extra passengers expected to take to the skies in coming decades.

Sweden-based Heart’s battery-powered aircraft under development will have the capacity for up to 30 passengers. They will generate zero emissions when they enter service, which is expected in 2028. However, the release did not disclose the value of the deal.

Air Canada’s contract, which also includes a USD 5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace, follows a 2021 deal by US carrier United Airlines to acquire 100 19-seat planes from the startup.

Heart Aerospace is a Swedish startup company developing electric and hybrid aircraft. It is developing the ES-19, an all-electric, 19-passenger regional airliner.