Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, a redesigned 36-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft that replaces its earlier ES-30 concept, alongside a deposit-backed agreement from JSX for 50 aircraft with rights for 50 more. The new production design is being developed at Heart’s pilot manufacturing plant in Los Angeles and is intended for short-haul regional service with an all-electric range of about 125 miles and a hybrid range of roughly 745 miles.
The redesign increases seating from 30 to 36 and adds about 1,415 lb of payload while keeping the same maximum takeoff weight and battery capacity. Heart has also moved from four nacelles to two series-hybrid powertrains, a change aimed at simplifying the propulsion system and improving economics. The JSX commitment converts a 2023 letter of intent into a deposit-backed purchase agreement and gives the carrier early delivery positions for its planned hybrid-electric fleet.
Heart is targeting first flight in the second half of 2028, with entry into service planned for 2031 after FAA Part 25 certification. The ES-36 is the latest reset in Heart’s aircraft programme, which has previously included the ES-19 and ES-30 concepts as the company refined its approach to regional aviation.