Heart Aerospace Unveils Redesigned 36-Seat Hybrid-Electric ES-36, Secures Deposit-Backed Order from JSX
Why It MattersThe deal signals growing airline commitment to hybrid-electric regional aircraft as manufacturers push toward certification and entry into service by the early 2030s.
Heart Aerospace has unveiled a substantially redesigned version of its planned hybrid-electric regional aircraft, now designated the ES-36, alongside a deposit-backed purchase agreement from regional public charter carrier JSX for an initial 50 aircraft with purchase rights for an additional 50. The ES-36 seats 36 passengers, up from 30 in the previous ES-30 design, and uses a pair of series-hybrid electric propulsion systems; Heart says the redesign increases payload by 20% for the same maximum takeoff weight and battery capacity, adding six seats and 1,415 lb. of payload, while the simpler architecture reduces maintenance costs compared with the ES-30's parallel-hybrid layout.
Powered by two 1.65-megawatt electric motors, the ES-36 achieves an all-electric range of 125 miles plus reserves on ground-charged batteries, extending to 745 miles with hybrid propulsion using jet fuel via a megawatt-class turbogenerator on each powertrain. Heart CTO Ben Stabler said the design draws on lessons from the company's X1 full-scale demonstrator, which first flew on August 12, and that the ES-36 targets operating costs at least 40% lower than legacy regional aircraft. JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said the aircraft will enable more non-stop routes from more convenient airports, and the agreement converts a 2023 letter of intent into a deposit-backed deal securing early delivery positions.
Heart is building the first pre-production ES-36 at its pilot manufacturing plant in Los Angeles, with first flight targeted for the second half of 2028 and FAA Part 25 certification and entry into service planned for 2031. Alongside JSX, Heart holds commitments from United Airlines and Air Canada.
