This morning, Scandinavian Airlines (more commonly known as SAS) opened bookings aboard its first electric planes—the 30-seat ES-30 model, developed in partnership with Heart Aerospace—which will take to the skies in 2028.

In 2026, United Airlines is at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution, having officially begun the phased implementation of its 19-seat electric aircraft. This initiative stems from a landmark agreement with Swedish startup Heart Aerospace, in which United (alongside its regional partner Mesa Airlines) conditionally agreed to purchase 100 of the ES-19 all-electric planes. These aircraft are specifically designed for short-haul regional routes—such as Chicago O'Hare to Purdue University—utilizing electric motors and battery technology similar to that found in modern electric vehicles to achieve zero operational emissions. Furthermore, French developer AURA AERO has secured firm orders in early 2026 for its hybrid-electric ERA airliner, which serves executive and regional routes in Europe. These advancements mark 2026 as a "watershed year" where decarbonized flight moves from a conceptual laboratory phase into tangible, commercial reality for short-distance travelers.