What Happened
Largest Battery-Electric Aircraft Flies On Minimal Power
Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator has become the largest battery-electric aircraft to take flight, using approximately US$5 of electricity during its 27-minute maiden voyage. The X1 is a full-scale precursor to the ES-30, a 30-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner slated for entry into service in 2031. With partnerships already established with Sounds Air and Air New Zealand, Heart Aerospace’s technology may play a role in New Zealand’s domestic air travel network. The company claims its ES-30 will cut regional aircraft operating costs by over 40%. This development was first reported by an unknown source.