Heart Aerospace Unveils ES-36 as JSX Commits to Up to 100 Aircraft

Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, a 36-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft that replaces its previously planned ES-30 production design, alongside a deposit-backed agreement with JSX covering 50 firm aircraft and purchase rights for another 50.

The JSX agreement converts a 2023 letter of intent into a purchase commitment and gives the US carrier early delivery positions. JSX plans to use the aircraft to expand nonstop service from smaller community airports, with the two companies also working together on cabin configuration, charging, turnaround procedures, route planning and airport infrastructure.

Heart has redesigned the aircraft around two series-hybrid powertrains rather than the ES-30’s four-engine configuration. Each powertrain uses a 1.65 MW electric motor driving a propeller, supported by batteries and a separate gas-turbine-powered turbogenerator for longer flights.

The ES-36 is designed for an all-electric range of 125 miles, or 200 km, plus reserves. Hybrid operation extends the planned range to 745 miles, or 1,200 km, plus reserves.

Despite retaining the ES-30’s maximum takeoff weight and battery capacity, the new design adds six seats and 1,415 lb of payload, representing a 20% increase in both measures. Its wingspan has also been reduced to 95 ft, approximately 11 ft shorter than the previous design. Heart is targeting operating costs at least 40% below legacy regional aircraft.

JSX expects the aircraft’s short-field capability and smaller footprint to support operations from airports including Santa Monica, Westchester County, Naples and Napa Valley while opening additional markets where operating costs, noise or airport constraints can limit conventional regional service.

Heart is building the first pre-production ES-36 at its Los Angeles pilot manufacturing facility following the first flight of its X1 battery-electric demonstrator in August 2026. The company is targeting a first ES-36 flight in the second half of 2028, followed by FAA Part 25 certification and entry into service in 2031.