Heart Aerospace has unveiled its new ES-36 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, replacing the company’s previously planned ES-30 production design, alongside a deposit-backed agreement with US carrier JSX for up to 100 aircraft.
The agreement includes 50 firm aircraft and purchase rights for an additional 50. It converts a 2023 letter of intent between the companies into a purchase commitment and provides JSX with early delivery positions for the aircraft.
JSX plans to use the ES-36 to expand nonstop connectivity from smaller community airports. The two companies will also collaborate on cabin configuration, charging infrastructure, aircraft turnaround procedures, route planning, and airport requirements.
New two-powertrain configuration
Heart Aerospace has redesigned the aircraft around two series-hybrid powertrains, replacing the four-engine configuration previously planned for the ES-30.
Each powertrain incorporates a 1.65 MW electric motor driving a propeller, supported by batteries and a separate gas-turbine-powered turbogenerator. The configuration is designed to provide all-electric capability for shorter routes while using hybrid-electric power for longer sectors.
The ES-36 is planned to have an all-electric range of 125 miles (200 km), plus reserves. Hybrid operation is expected to extend the aircraft’s range to 745 miles (1,200 km), plus reserves.
Despite retaining the ES-30’s maximum take-off weight and battery capacity, the redesigned aircraft accommodates six additional seats and 1,415 pounds of additional payload. Heart Aerospace said both represent a 20% increase compared with the previous design.
The aircraft will also feature a 95-foot wingspan, approximately 11 feet shorter than the ES-30 design. Heart is targeting operating costs at least 40% below those of legacy regional aircraft.
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Targeting smaller airports
JSX expects the ES-36’s short-field capabilities and smaller footprint to support operations from airports including Santa Monica, Westchester County, Naples and Napa Valley.
The aircraft is also intended to open additional regional markets where operating costs, noise restrictions or airport infrastructure limitations can constrain conventional regional aircraft operations.
Heart Aerospace is currently building the first pre-production ES-36 at its pilot manufacturing facility in Los Angeles. The programme follows the first flight of the company’s X1 battery-electric demonstrator in August 2026.
The manufacturer is targeting the ES-36’s first flight for the second half of 2028. This is expected to be followed by FAA Part 25 certification, with entry into commercial service targeted for 2031.
