Aviation News – Swedish hybrid-electric manufacturer Heart Aerospace unveiled its new ES-36 regional aircraft on September 23, 2026, simultaneously securing a major order from U.S. premium regional carrier JSX for up to 100 units.
The surprise announcement marks a significant development in sustainable regional aviation as Heart Aerospace transitions its commercial airliner program to an upgraded, higher-capacity platform. Under the terms of the agreement, JSX committed to a deposit-backed purchase for 50 ES-36 aircraft alongside purchase rights for an additional 50 units. The landmark deal establishes the Dallas-based public charter carrier as a primary launch customer for the next-generation hybrid-electric airliner.
Evolving from the baseline ES-30 design, the ES-36 incorporates substantial structural and performance improvements tailored for regional routes. The new aircraft accommodates up to 36 passengers—six more than its predecessor—while adding 1,415 pounds (641 kg) of extra payload capacity. Crucially, Heart Aerospace engineered these operational enhancements without increasing the maximum takeoff weight or altering the onboard battery capacity from the original baseline architecture.
From an operational standpoint, the ES-36 delivers superior payload economics while preserving the zero-emission short-haul flight performance of hybrid-electric powerplants. The aerodynamically optimized airframe allows air carriers to maximize seat availability and freight volume on short-haul network legs. By expanding cabin capacity within the same weight envelope, the aircraft provides operators with significantly higher revenue potential per departure without sacrificing battery range or requiring heavier ground infrastructure.
“With the ES-36, Heart is bringing to market a more capable aircraft with an even stronger value proposition for air carriers, and JSX’s partnership underscores that opportunity,” stated Anders Forslund, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heart Aerospace. “We look forward to working side by side with the JSX team to bring the ES-36 into service in order to deliver exceptional economics for JSX and an unparalleled travel experience for its customers.”
Looking forward, the launch of the ES-36 accelerates the commercial adoption of hybrid-electric regional transport across North America and global markets. As regional carriers seek lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions, the entry into service of low-emission regional airliners is poised to reshape short-haul route networks.
The order for up to 100 ES-36 aircraft underscores strong commercial demand for versatile, higher-capacity electric aircraft. By delivering enhanced passenger numbers within an efficient operational framework, Heart Aerospace and JSX are setting a practical pathway for sustainable regional transit. Continued collaboration between the manufacturer and regional airlines will remain vital to deploying next-generation electric flight across domestic air networks.
