Electrifying the Skies: Heart Aerospace Advances Toward Flight Testing

Heart Aerospace, a trailblazing name in hybrid-electric aviation, is charging ahead with its ambitious plans to reshape regional air travel. The Swedish company recently made headlines by relocating its headquarters to Los Angeles, signaling a strategic focus on the U.S. market and regulatory framework.

This shift is part of Heart’s vision to revolutionize commercial aviation through its flagship aircraft—the ES-30, a 30-seat hybrid-electric plane built for sustainability, operational efficiency, and lower emissions.

Why the U.S.? A Strategic Pivot Toward Innovation and Opportunity

Leaving Sweden’s established aerospace ecosystem wasn’t a light decision. But as CEO Anders Forslund puts it, “Iterative development and deeper vertical integration require speed, talent, and resources—the U.S. offers all three.”

In Los Angeles, Heart is expanding its engineering team, enhancing prototyping efforts, and getting ready for a critical flight demonstration of its X1 aircraft—a fully electric prototype designed to test the systems for the ES-30 platform.

Additionally, Heart is progressing on the X2, a preproduction aircraft that will feature in-house developed technologies like battery packs, flight software, electric motors, and actuation systems.

FAA Funding and Growing U.S. Support

The U.S. government’s backing also plays a vital role in Heart’s decision. The company secured a $4.1 million FAA grant through the FAST initiative (Fuelling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition), supporting the development of its Hybrid Propulsion Automated Control System (HPACS)—a critical advancement that reduces emissions, improves fuel economy, and lowers noise levels.

Heart’s Aircraft Vision: The ES-30 in Focus

The ES-30 aircraft is designed to transform short-haul travel with the following specifications:

• 124 statute miles (108 nautical miles) of fully electric range.

• 249 statute miles (216 nautical miles) using hybrid propulsion.

• 497 statute miles (432 nautical miles) with a reduced load of 25 passengers.

This range and efficiency balance is ideal for regional carriers operating in North America’s dense and competitive short-haul network.

Heart has already received strong interest from U.S. carriers. In 2023, charter airline JSX signed an agreement to purchase 50 ES-30 aircraft, with options for 50 more.

Building Future Aircraft with Reliable Components

As the ES-30 and X-series demonstrators move toward production and certification, Heart relies heavily on aviation-grade components from trusted sources to ensure airworthiness, safety, and efficiency. These parts include:

• 5905-00-513-2360 electrical resistor network – Vital for controlling current flow and voltage regulation in battery and control systems.

• 9999-37-513-9688 custom manufactured unit – Designed for specialized electric and hybrid applications unique to prototype and demonstrator aircraft.

• 5306-01-453-9544 hexagon plain nut – An essential part of aircraft fastener assemblies for structural reliability.

• 1560-01-667-7611 aircraft structural panel – Used in lightweight airframe builds and hybrid propulsion system enclosures.

Each component supports Heart’s mission of sustainability without compromise, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the next generation of electric regional aircraft.

Final Approach: Heart Aerospace’s Future in American Skies

By moving its base to Los Angeles and investing in American engineering and infrastructure, Heart Aerospace is accelerating its path toward full-scale production. The U.S. not only provides a friendlier regulatory environment and stronger market access but also fosters the kind of high-speed innovation required to keep pace in the competitive electric aviation race.

As its demonstrator aircraft prepare for liftoff and commercial deals begin to take shape, Heart Aerospace is proving that the future of aviation is electric—and it’s taking off from the United States.