Aviate participants will take flight with cutting-edge Garmin avionics!

December 9, 2021

We’re hopping on an exciting bandwagon! Last Thursday, Garmin® International announced its long-term agreement with Heart Aerospace® to provide the ES-19 electric airliner with Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck. Heart Aerospace is an electric aircraft company developing the ES-19, a nineteen-passenger regional aircraft driven entirely by batteries and electric motors that – before the end of the decade – has the potential to fly customers up to 250 miles.

The ES-19 is electrifying regional air travel and will be larger than any of its all-electric competitors while also designed to operate on the same types of batteries used in electric cars. Specifically tailored to meet the needs of electric aircraft, the G3000 system that will be featured in Heart’ ES-19 aircraft delivers enhanced capabilities to optimize their electric drivetrain and battery management systems.

In case you missed it, United Airlines conditionally agreed to purchase 100 ES-19 aircraft once it meets United's safety, business and operating requirements. Mesa Airlines, a key strategic player and Aviate - participating United Express regional carrier, has also agreed to add 100 ES-19 aircraft to its fleet, subject to similar requirements.

View the full announcement

What does this mean for the Aviate program?

Aviate participants may have the opportunity to fly the Garmin-equipped ES-19 at regional partner Mesa Airlines, with the first ES-19 scheduled to enter service before the end of the decade.

Once operational, the ES-19 could operate on more than 100 of United's regional routes out of most of its hubs. Some of these routes include Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Purdue University Airport (LAF) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Modesto City-County Airport (MOD).

Garmin and United Aviate Academy

United Aviate Academy (UAA), United’s wholly owned flight training academy, will also feature Garmin avionics aboard UAA aircraft such as the late-model Cirrus SR-20 series single-engine, which displays advanced safety characteristics.

UAA launched in 2021 with the goal of training 5,000 pilots by 2030, with plans of half of the students to be women or people of color. Located at the newly acquired, 340,000 square-foot facility a at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, UAA will provide aspiring pilots with industry-leading resources, equipment and accommodations.

Whether you’re beginning your flight training at United Aviate Academy or building flight time and experience with an Aviate-participating United Express partner , Aviate participants can fly with the best aircraft and technology in the industry.