GOTEBORG, Sweden -- Electric aircraft manufacturer Heart Aerospace has joined the Regional Airline Association (RAA), a trade association for North American regional airlines and associated businesses. Heart said that the RAA's connections and relationships with policymakers will provide the company with unique insight and ability to help shape evolving government policy discussions on battery-powered electric flight.

"We're delighted to join the RAA and deepen our commitment to the North American market. We believe that electric and hybrid electric air travel, by offering lower operating costs, can enable airlines to restore and expand connectivity. And this can be achieved with significantly lower emissions compared to conventional aircraft and other modes of transport," said Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace.

Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, an electric regional aircraft with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers and driven by electric motors with battery-derived energy. The ES-30 will have a fully-electric, zero-emissions range of 200 kilometers, an extended range of 400 kilometers with 30 passengers, and the flexibility to fly up to 800 kilometers with 25 passengers (all figures include typical airline reserves).

Heart has a total of 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120. The company also has letters of intent for a further 91 aircraft.