Heart Aerospace has unveiled the ES-36, a 36-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft that replaces its previous ES-30 design. US air carrier JSX has simultaneously signed an agreement to purchase 50 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 50. The agreement is backed by a deposit, with the new type scheduled to enter commercial service in 2031.

The unveiling of the ES-36 brings significant changes to the previous concept. Passenger capacity has increased from 30 to 36 seats, while payload capacity has risen by approximately 642 kilograms, representing a 20 percent increase in both cases. According to Heart Aerospace, the aircraft retains the same maximum takeoff weight and battery capacity as the ES-30.

The most significant technical change concerns the propulsion system. Instead of the previous configuration featuring four nacelles and four propellers, the ES-36 will have two propulsion nacelles housing a series-hybrid electric system. Each propeller will be driven by a 1.65-megawatt electric motor, supplied with electricity from batteries and, on longer flights, turbogenerators.

Ground-charged batteries are expected to provide an all-electric range of 200 kilometres, plus reserves. For longer routes, each powertrain will incorporate a turbogenerator with a compact gas turbine that produces electricity in flight to power the electric propulsion motors, supplementing the energy supplied by the batteries. In this hybrid configuration, the manufacturer projects a range of 1,200 kilometres, also plus reserves.

Heart Aerospace is targeting operating costs at least 40 percent lower than those of legacy regional aircraft. It attributes the anticipated savings to electrified propulsion, aerodynamic improvements and fewer propulsion components requiring maintenance. Chief Technology Officer Ben Stabler said the changes reflect experience gained during the design, construction and flight testing of the X1 demonstrator.

For JSX, the new agreement continues a partnership established through a letter of intent in 2023, which has now been converted into a deposit-backed purchase commitment. The carrier has secured early delivery positions and intends to use the ES-36 to expand its network of nonstop routes from smaller airports.

Among the airports JSX already serves, the manufacturer highlights Santa Monica, Westchester County, Naples and Napa Valley. The ES-36 is being designed for short-runway operations, while its wingspan of approximately 29 metres, around 3.4 metres shorter than that of the ES-30, is intended to make better use of limited apron and hangar space. Heart also expects lower noise levels and the absence of direct fuel-combustion emissions during all-electric flights to support service expansion near residential areas.

The two companies will work together to tailor the passenger cabin to JSX’s operating model, as well as develop battery-charging procedures, aircraft turnaround processes, route planning and airport infrastructure readiness. JSX’s final cabin configuration has not been announced.

Heart Aerospace says its battery-electric X1 demonstrator made its maiden flight in mid-August 2026. The company is now building the first pre-production ES-36 at its pilot manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, with the first flight planned for the second half of 2028. Entry into commercial service in 2031 will depend on the completion of development and certification under FAA Part 25 requirements.