Heart Aerospace Flies World’s Largest Electric Aircraft

The X1, a full-scale testbed for Heart’s upcoming ES-30 production model, relied on a propulsion system delivering over one megawatt of power. During the flight, the aircraft consumed approximately $5 worth of electricity, a figure that underscores the company’s push to decouple regional aviation from the volatility of global jet fuel markets. For an industry currently grappling with a 63% year-over-year surge in fuel costs, the potential for a 40% reduction in operating expenses via electric propulsion offers a compelling economic argument.

Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace, emphasized that the mission validates the core technology required to reshape short-haul travel. The flight-test program, conducted under an FAA Experimental Category certificate, included standard taxi, takeoff, and maneuvering protocols to confirm aerodynamic performance. This data flows directly into the development of the ES-30, a hybrid-electric 30-seat regional airliner already backed by major carriers including United Airlines, Air Canada, and JSX.

With a target entry into service by 2031, the ES-30 program aims to leverage simplified maintenance and higher aircraft uptime to replace aging regional fleets. Heart Aerospace is currently transitioning its focus to the first pre-production ES-30 at its Los Angeles manufacturing facility, with flight testing for the production model slated for 2028.