Heart Aerospace Has Unveiled the ES-36 Hybrid Airliner
The Los Angeles-based company revealed its new 36-passenger hybrid design alongside a large order from JSX.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Heart Aerospace has officially unveiled the ES-36, a new hybrid-electric airliner designed to carry passengers with greater efficiency. The company also secured a major purchase agreement from JSX for 50 of the new aircraft.
Why it matters
The ES-36 represents a strategic pivot to a series hybrid propulsion system, allowing the company to improve payload and range performance compared to its previous designs. By utilizing turbogenerators, the aircraft can maintain fuel reserves for diversions rather than relying on heavy battery capacity.
The ES-36 features two 1.65-megawatt electric motors and a 95-foot wingspan, with a maximum takeoff weight of 40,000 pounds. The company projects operating costs will be 40% lower than legacy regional airplanes.
The players
Heart Aerospace
An aerospace manufacturer that relocated its headquarters to the Los Angeles area in April 2025.
JSX
A regional air carrier that has committed to purchasing 50 of the ES-36 aircraft.
The details
The aircraft uses a series hybrid system where dedicated turbogenerators produce electricity in flight to supplement onboard batteries. Heart Aerospace has transitioned from its original ES-19 program to this larger design to meet industry performance requirements.
Timeline
Heart Aerospace launched the initial ES-19 program in 2018.
In May 2024, the company adopted its new independent hybrid design.
The X1 demonstrator completed its first flight on August 12, 2026.
Heart Aerospace unveiled the ES-36 design on September 23, 2026.
The company targets entry into service for the ES-36 in 2031.
Roadmap
This development marks a significant move by Heart Aerospace to establish a footprint in the regional aviation sector by scaling its hybrid technology. It positions the firm to compete directly with manufacturers of traditional regional turboprop aircraft by focusing on lower operating costs.
Travelers may eventually see lower ticket prices on regional routes as the company aims to cut operating costs by 40% compared to current standards. The transition to hybrid flight could also lead to more frequent service on shorter regional flight paths.
The takeaway
The pivot to hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrates that the industry is prioritizing manageable range and payload targets over pure battery power. This approach suggests a pragmatic path for regional air travel to reduce its carbon footprint while remaining economically competitive.
What happens next
Heart Aerospace plans to conduct a preliminary design review for the ES-36 in 2027, followed by a targeted first flight in the second half of 2028.
Further reading
For more on the latest advancements in propulsion, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
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