Heart Aerospace advances ES-30 hybrid airliner with new independent configuration

In May, Heart opened a research and development facility in California to aid in completing the ES-30's design and planning ground and flight testing. Testing hardware for the demonstrator is at an advanced stage as part of a research project supported by Swedavia and SAS.

Benjamin Stabler has been appointed as Heart's new chief technology officer. He previously worked on SpaceX's Crew Dragon program and co-founded Parallel Systems, known for developing battery-electric freight trains.

Newitt stated that this hybrid propulsion setup allows airlines to conduct all-electric missions without using turboprops. "The turboprop [propellers] could be feathered so that they can take off using just the inboard motors," he said, explaining potential range extensions up to 800 kilometers when needed.

Heart Aerospace reports around 250 firm orders or purchase agreements for the ES-30 with additional options covering another 200 aircraft. An advisory board meeting held on July 3 included representatives from United Airlines, Mesa, SAS, Braathens, Air New Zealand, Republic Airways Holdings Inc., Icelandair Group hf., and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines NV.

Additionally, Heart has launched a collaboration with Gotland Island aiming for net zero carbon flights connecting it with mainland Europe. Earlier this year, Heart closed a Series B funding round raising $107 million. They plan further fundraising through equity issues, debt instruments, strategic investments alongside seeking public support while urging stronger political commitments towards green aviation investment.

"This is fundamental; we hear a lot of talk but we need action," concluded Newitt emphasizing government support cruciality towards achieving net-zero targets beyond sustainable aviation fuel efforts mainly suited longer-haul flights involving larger planes.