Europe constructed the largest electric airplane globally. It conducted a flight in New York.

      Heart Aerospace announced that it successfully flew its X1 demonstrator at Plattsburgh International Airport on 12 August. The aircraft performed taxiing, takeoff, climbing, maneuvering, and landing operations. It achieved an altitude of 335 meters and utilized all-electric propulsion that produced over one megawatt.

      The specifications of the airframe contribute to this achievement, with the X1 boasting a wingspan of approximately 32 meters, a length of 23 meters from nose to tail, and a takeoff weight exceeding 11,300 kg. Plattsburgh serves a community of 20,000 residents, which aligns with the intended destinations for the completed aircraft.

      Regarding costs, the electricity used for the flight was about $5. Heart estimates it at around $5, while Engadget reported it as being below $5. This is contrasted with the cost of jet fuel, which averaged $3.50 per gallon for the week ending 7 August, representing a 63% increase compared to the previous year. This comparison highlights the significance of the $5 figure, as alone it seems negligible.

      However, skepticism arises as this $5 reflects the energy cost of a single demonstration flight, not the total operating expenses for an airline. It omits costs such as maintenance, crew, airport fees, battery replacements, and the overall capital cost of the aircraft, which are crucial to the economics of regional aviation.

      What remains clear is the reality that fuel constitutes one of the largest controllable expenses on short routes, influenced by oil market fluctuations and carbon pricing. Electricity provides predictability in this expense, which airlines highly value.

      The X1 functions as a demonstrator; the actual product Heart is developing is the ES-30. The ES-30 is a traditional fixed-wing airliner designed to carry 30 passengers, and it's important to note that it is hybrid-electric rather than fully electric. It utilizes batteries complemented by a combustion range extender. Heart aims to achieve a battery-only range of approximately 200 km, extending to about 800 km with the range extender engaged.

      Thus, the world's largest electric aircraft serves as a prototype for a model that continues to rely on fuel, reflecting current limitations in battery energy density—a point Heart is transparent about. The first pre-production ES-30 is currently being developed at the company’s pilot manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, with flight testing scheduled to commence in 2028, certification following FAA Part 25 guidelines, and a target entry into service set for 2031.

      Heart claims to provide over a 40% reduction in operating costs compared to traditional regional aircraft, citing lower energy expenses, reduced maintenance due to simpler electric propulsion, and improved operational uptime due to integrated electronics and software systems. The company anticipates this gap will increase, fueled by advancements in batteries, improved crew efficiency, and reduced exposure to the emissions taxes and fees that are becoming more prevalent in the aviation industry.

      A notable point is that the ES-30 will initially operate with a single pilot, with plans for autonomous operation in the future. Engadget has identified this aspect of the plan as potentially troubling for passengers who may be uneasy about flying without a pilot in the cockpit.

      Heart reports holding $9.4 billion in customer commitments, with named customers including United Airlines, Air Canada, and JSX. However, it’s essential to note that a commitment is not equivalent to an order, and an order does not guarantee revenue, as the aviation sector is characterized by options, letters of intent, and conditional purchases that only convert once certification is attained.

      The airlines involved are both interested and invested. United’s CFO, Michael Leskinen, expressed that electric aircraft hold “real potential to deliver a better travel experience for passengers.” Meanwhile, Air Canada’s John Di Bert framed it as part of a broader strategy rather than a gamble, emphasizing the energy transition’s reliance on operational efficiencies, sustainable aviation fuel, and innovative aircraft technologies.

      Notably, both quotes originate from finance leaders rather than fleet planners, which is more relevant for an aircraft scheduled for introduction in 2031.

      Founded in Gothenburg, Heart Aerospace no longer operates from Sweden. In April 2025, the company announced its relocation to Los Angeles and the closure of its Swedish operations. CEO Anders Forslund stated that this move would facilitate experimental flights of the X1 and future models like the X2, enhance vertical integration in batteries and software, and position the company closer to American customers and investors.

      Heart now identifies as a Los Angeles-based electric aircraft manufacturer in its communications, moving away from its previous European identity.

      This shift illustrates a broader pattern rather than an isolated incident: the demonstrator operated under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category, launched from an American airport, with backers from American and Canadian airlines. Europe initially contributed the foundational concept, early engineering, and initial funding, while the United States provided the customer base, certification pathway, and capital resources.

      This situation underscores a common European tech complaint