Consensus in Conversation Benjamin Stabler of Heart Aerospace on Hybrid Planes, Regional Aviation, and Democratizing Flight
In the more than a century since humans first took to the skies with powered flight, still only about 20% of the world’s population has actually flown on an airplane. But that demand is on the rise, and air travel’s CO2 emissions are set to triple by 2050. So Benjamin Stabler and Heart Aerospace have a groundbreaking solution: decarbonize and democratize flight for all.
Ben, who joined Heart as CTO earlier this year, has been leading technical work on the ES-30, an innovative, battery-electric hybrid regional aircraft. Heart Aerospace is building a system of decarbonized, short-haul aircrafts that are cheaper to operate and more energy-efficient than traditional air travel. Founded in 2019, the startup has raised over $140 million to date developing and scaling its revolutionary technology, which is not only more sustainable, but, given its significant reduction in direct operating costs per trip, potentially more profitable too, allowing for the development and revitalization of regional air travel networks that help create a more connected world.
Prior to leading technical development for Heart’s newly established North American operations, Ben received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, led software and hardware teams for the SpaceX Crew Dragon program, and co-founded Parallel Systems, an automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicle startup.
Hear Ben talk about his lifelong love for aviation, how the ES-30 actually works, and why electrified, short-distance flights could change the future of aviation as we know it.
Episode Highlights:
- 00:00 Benjamin Stabler on decarbonizing short distance flights
- 00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Heart Aerospace
- 05:28 Passion for airplanes, Stanford engineering, and SpaceX
- 16:07 Origin of Heart Aerospace, joining as CTO, and electric aviation
- 26:39 Hybrid electric regional aircraft, efficiency, and the U.S. markets
- 30:17 Decarbonizing flight and democratizing air travel
- 38:11 Rising aviation demand, the long-term horizon, and exciting climate tech
- 45:43 Remaining optimistic and where to learn more
- 49:48 End credits
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More on Ben Stabler and Heart Aerospace:
Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone
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Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.