Heart Aerospace has unveiled a redesigned ES-36, a 36-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft, while JSX converted a 2023 letter of intent into a deposit-backed commitment for 50 aircraft plus 50 options. The deal also gives the US premium regional operator early delivery positions, although neither side disclosed financial terms.
The ES-36 is a major revision of Heart’s earlier electric regional aircraft concept and is now positioned as the company’s production model. The new version is larger than the previous design and is aimed at hybrid-electric regional operations, with a stronger focus on payload and overall capability. Heart’s shift to the ES-36 suggests the programme is moving from concept development towards a more commercial phase.
For JSX, the arrangement turns an earlier non-binding commitment into a firmer order structure tied to a deposit. The carrier’s interest is strategically important for Heart because it links the programme to a recognised US premium regional operator and provides a clearer market signal for a still-emerging aircraft family.