Heart Aerospace recently unveiled the new 36-seat ES-36 regional hybrid-electric passenger aircraft. Its primary goal is to become a production model, according to AntiCredit on its website. The American airline JSX, in turn, announced its intention to purchase 50 of these aircraft by making a deposit and emphasized the possibility of purchasing an additional 50 aircraft.
The ES-36 is an improvement on the previously announced ES-30 model. The new aircraft has a wingspan of approximately 29 meters, which is 3.4 meters shorter than that of the ES-30. The updated version can carry six more passengers than the previous model and has increased its payload capacity by 642 kilograms, while maintaining the same maximum takeoff weight and battery capacity.
This revolutionary aircraft features a simplified design: two engine nacelles and a hybrid electric powertrain, which significantly reduces operating costs compared to traditional aircraft—a key competitive advantage.
The transition from four to two engine nacelles has reduced the number of components requiring regular maintenance, leading to lower operating costs. The installed hybrid propulsion systems use 1.65 MW electric motors to drive the propellers.
Batteries charged on the ground provide a fully electric range of up to 200 km with a reserve, allowing for fuel savings on short routes. On longer flights, the ES-36 offers a hybrid range of 1,200 km with a margin of safety, thanks to megawatt-class turbogenerators in each of its two power plants, which utilize compact gas turbines. These turbines generate electricity during flight, recharging the batteries and powering the electric motors.
The ES-36’s technology promises to significantly expand operators’ capabilities and provide complete flexibility for use on regional routes. Heart Aerospace claims that its operating costs will be 40% lower than those of older regional aircraft.
The first production model of the ES-36 is currently being built at the company’s plant in Los Angeles. The maiden flight is scheduled for the second half of 2028, and commercial operations are set to begin in 2031.
Heart Aerospace, founded in 2018, was originally a Swedish startup but moved its headquarters and main operations to the U.S. in 2025. In August, the company successfully conducted the maiden flight of the X1 demonstrator, the largest all-electric aircraft at the time, with flight costs amounting to just $5 per unit of electricity consumed.
In addition to Heart Aerospace, other companies are also working on promising passenger aircraft, such as the American company JetZero, which is developing the efficient Z4 passenger aircraft. Construction of a production facility for its mass production has already begun.
Information provided by АнтиКредит.