Heart Aerospace Aims to Field Hybrid-Electric ES-30 by 2031

Company’s recent FAA special airworthiness certification permits X1 demonstrator flight testing ‘immediately.’

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator features an all-electric propulsion system with four wing-mounted motors. [Credit: Heart Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

Heart Aerospace has revised its target for type certification of its 30-seat hybrid-electric ES-30 regional airliner to 2031, following a recent FAA flight test authorization for its demonstrator.
The company has received an FAA special airworthiness certificate for its X1 full-scale all-electric demonstrator, enabling immediate commencement of flight testing after completing extensive ground tests.
Despite challenges faced by other electric aircraft developers, Heart Aerospace is progressing with its ES-30, which features a new "independent hybrid" propulsion system and holds a $9.4 billion order book from airlines like United and Air Canada.

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Following a recent FAA flight test authorization, Los Angeles-based Heart Aerospace is now targeting 2031 for the type certification of its ES-30, a 30-seat, hybrid-electric regional airliner.

Simon Newitt, Heart’s former president and chief commercial officer who now works for Beta Technologies—another electric aircraft developer—told Aviation International News in 2024 that the company was targeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the ES-30 in 2028. Now, the company’s website indicates a revised target of 2031.