Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

First Cars, Now Planes: Is The Future of Flying Electric? Ep194: Anders Forslund

Jan 29, 2025

Anders Forslund, Co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, is at the forefront of revolutionizing air travel with hybrid-electric aircraft. He discusses the urgent need to decouple aviation growth from carbon emissions, showcasing his 30-seater plane that's set for its first test flight soon. Forslund highlights the challenges of innovation in aviation technology, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions. He also shares insights on how electric aircraft could reshape long-haul travel and improve airport infrastructure, all while navigating the urgent climate crisis.

56:21

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Anders Forslund

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Quick takeaways

Heart Aerospace is pioneering a hybrid-electric aircraft to significantly reduce aviation's 2-3% share of global emissions, aiming for a paradigm shift.

By focusing on underutilized regional airports, the new aircraft can revive previously cut routes, enhancing connectivity for smaller communities across the U.S.

Anders Forslund’s vision includes decarbonizing aviation while lowering operational costs, achieving a 'negative green premium' that benefits both airlines and consumers.

Deep dives

Introduction to Hybrid Electric Aviation

Heart Aerospace is working on the first commercial hybrid electric aircraft aimed at reducing aviation emissions, which account for two to three percent of global emissions. By utilizing components similar to those found in electric vehicles, such as batteries and power electronics, the aircraft aims to dramatically lower the costs traditionally associated with aviation. The goal is to first achieve all-electric flights for short distances of up to 125 miles, with hybrid capabilities extending the range to 500 miles. This innovative approach aims for a paradigm shift in the aviation industry, which has stagnated in terms of significant advancements in emission reduction.

Intro

2min

Revolutionizing Aviation: The Hybrid Electric Aircraft

16min

Innovations in Aerospace: Bridging Technologies

10min

The Challenges of Innovation and Knowledge Retention in Aviation Technology

2min

Aviation's Future: Challenges and Innovations

14min

Navigating the Future of Aviation

9min

The Future of Aviation: A Shift Toward Electrification

3min

Aviation accounts for around 2-3% of global emissions, and is showing no sign of decreasing. There has been a lot of focus on replacement fuels, but no real paradigm shift in the industry. Anders Forslund has a plan to change that.

Anders is the CEO of Heart Aerospace, the Swedish airplane developers who've recently established an R&D facility in California to develop their 30 seater hybrid-electric plane. Later this year, their all-electric prototype will take to the skies in its first test flight.

While there are a number of companies innovating in the aerospace sector, including Joby Aviation, featured in Episode 156 of Cleaning Up, Heart is targeting larger planes and longer routes. They already have orders to buy hundreds of planes, most notably from United Airlines, and have received early investment from Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

This episode was recorded at the Heart Aerospace facilities in El Sugundo, Los Angeles.

Leadership Circle:

Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.

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