electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft
EHang Partners with Changan Automobile on Flying Cars to Create an Innovative Way for Personal Transportation
The parties will collaborate on the research and development, manufacturing, sales, and operation of flying car-related products. Leveraging EHang's strong product development capabilities in aerial vehicles and low-altitude flight management technology solutions and combining Changan Automobile's robust production and manufacturing foundation and rich market resources in the automotive sector, the parties will explore the establishment of a joint venture focused on future mobility ecosystem technologies. This cross-industry strategic partnership will further enrich and expand EHang's eVTOL product line, unlocking a vast potential market for flying cars targeting a broad C-end customer base.
Dec. 22, 2024
Archer Completes Construction of High-Volume Manufacturing Facility
Earlier this week Archer received the certificate of occupancy for its ~400,000 square foot aircraft manufacturing facility—referred to as ARC—in Covington, GA and held a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony.
Tooling load-in is already underway ahead of the planned start of initial production beginning in early 2025, with the goal being to ramp production to a rate of two aircraft per month by the end of the year.
Stellantis and Archer are working to finalize an agreement pursuant to which Stellantis would work with Archer as its exclusive contract manufacturer to mass produce Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft at this facility, contributing capital, advanced manufacturing technology and expertise and experienced personnel with the goal of scaling this facility to 650 aircraft annually by 2030.
Dec. 20, 2024
Joby Aviation announced it has completed a landmark series of major aerostructure tests for certification credit with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Joby has successfully completed static load testing of the tail structure, marking the first time the Company has tested a major aerostructure of its aircraft for-credit with FAA representatives present. The tests took place in Santa Cruz, CA, as part of a rigorous testing campaign covering all of the structures, components, and systems on the aircraft, producing data that is required for FAA type certification of the aircraft.
Dec. 18, 2024
Skyports Infrastructure and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed.
The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge project, is under construction on a plot of 0.42 acres (0.17 hectares) which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal.
Once complete, it will be a critical facility for testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight operations, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK.
The vertiport is being constructed adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways and is due to be completed in early 2025. The facility will launch with an inauguration event at which Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium partners will test and demonstrate key outputs and findings from the project which will include demonstration flights by Vertical Aerospace.
Dec. 16, 2024
Air New Zealand has expanded its commercial partnership with BETA Technologies, a U.S.-based electric aerospace company, with the addition of an electric technical demonstrator aircraft and several charging solutions to its existing order.
Dec. 13, 2024
Joby service to be integrated into Jetex’s network of flagship private terminals; Joby charging stations to be installed at Jetex sites across Middle East; Partnership lays the groundwork for a global rollout of sustainable air taxi infrastructure
Dec. 11, 2024
Abu Dhabi and Archer Announce Agreement With Cross-Industry Stakeholders To Launch First Commercial Electric Air Taxi Flights
Dec. 6, 2024
Flight Academy will help to establish a pipeline of qualified pilots in advance of commercial operations; Joby was also accepted into the FAA Part 5 Voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) for Air Operations; Company completes two requirements to launch commercial operations
Dec. 4, 2024
By 2030, China could have 100,000 eVTOLs in households or as flying taxis, according to a report released today at the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance.
Nov. 27, 2024
A new joint venture backed by Skyports and Groupe ADP has been selected to operate the Downtown Manhattan Heliport for five years from 2025.
Nov. 22, 2024
SkyDrive and SAI Flight, based at Greenville Downtown Airport Unveil Plans for Commercial Electric Air Taxi Routes in South Carolina, Confirm Pre-Order of 10 eVTOL Aircraft
The collaboration will focus on advancing air-taxi, air-cargo and emergency service use cases, paving the way for a new era of efficient and versatile intra-community air travel.
Nov. 20, 2024
BETA Technologies completed the first flight of an electric aircraft built on its scaled production line.
Within a year, BETA has gone from a certificate of occupancy on its 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility in South Burlington, Vermont, to fully installed tooling, an organized supply chain, and manufactured propulsion systems — to rolling an aircraft off its production line, getting a certificate of airworthiness by the FAA, and flying it.
Nov. 15, 2024
EH216-S Completes World’s First eVTOL Solid-State Battery Flight Test
The high-performance solid-state lithium battery utilizes metallic lithium as the anode and oxide ceramics as the electrolyte, resulting in significant enhancement in energy density and safety. With an energy density of 480Wh/kg and exceptional stability, the battery enhances the flight performance of the EH216-S, broadening its application across the low-altitude economy sector, especially in multiple use cases such as long-range air mobility, aerial logistics, high-rise firefighting, etc.
Compared to liquid lithium batteries, the solid-state battery offers higher energy density, enhanced thermal stability, reduced flammability, wider working temperature, improved storage stability and excellent maintenance-free qualities. The high-energy solid-state battery has undergone rigorous testing, including electrical performance, mechanical performance, safety performance and other aspects, including tests in extreme conditions like high temperature, pinprick, to demonstrate its safety and stability in a variety of use cases. These features can provide an added layer of safety for passengers and operators and also provide reliable support for UAM applications, including urban air transportation, firefighting and emergence response.
Nov. 14, 2024
Archer Hires UAE Leader From Abu Dhabi Executive Office and GCAA in Support of Plan to Commence In-country Service as Soon as Late Next Year
- Dr. Talib Alhinai joins Archer as its UAE Lead after his tenure with the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, a supervisory body that reports to the Emirate’s Executive Council under the command of the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed
- Alhinai will continue to serve as the youngest Board Director of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and on its Audit & Risk Committee
- Archer will continue to build out its Abu Dhabi presence building on its previously announced strategic initiative with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to bring Archer to the UAE
Nov. 12, 2024
VoltAero readies the production of Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft at its new industrial facility in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family will be a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications. It will be produced in three versions: the five-seat Cassio 330; the Cassio 480 with six seats; and the 10-12-seat Cassio 600.
The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: Cassio aircraft will utilize the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor in the aft fuselage-mounted hybrid propulsion unit for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150 km.), and landing. The hybrid feature – with the internal combustion engine – comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.
Nov. 11, 2024
EHang's EH216-S eVTOL Completes Debut Passenger Flights in Thailand, with Flights Tests and Commercial Operations Forthcoming
Nov. 8, 2024
Eve Air Mobility announces that the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has published the final version of the airworthiness criteria for Eve’s eVTOL. This follows a period of public consultation and represents a significant milestone in the certification process of Eve’s eVTOL aircraft.
The final airworthiness criteria, defined and published by ANAC, is a critical stage of the type certification process. After this achievement, Eve will focus on defining the means of compliance applicable to Eve’s eVTOL aircraft with ANAC.
Nov. 5, 2024
Metro Aviation, air medical operator, has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 of BETA’s ALIA eVTOL.
Metro currently operates 170 aircraft for 42 programs across 27 states in the U.S. BETA’s ALIA VTOL will provide another platform to that portfolio – and with its high reliability, low cost, and vertical capabilities, it will offer increased mobility and access to rural and urban geographies with zero operational emissions.
Nov. 4, 2024
Joby and Toyota Accelerate Efforts to Realize Air Mobility
Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation came together at Toyota's Higashi-Fuji Technical Center (Shizuoka, Japan) to assert their collective passion and ambition for air mobility in a gathering that included executives from both companies, Akio Toyoda, the chairman of the Toyota Group, and Joby CEO and founder, JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby's air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
Nov. 2, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready for powered lift, which will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas. > >
- Makes changes to numerous existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate instructor and pilot certification and training.
- Applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules.
- Allows pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls; legacy rules require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor.
Supernal (Hyundai Motor Group) Partners With Clay Lacy Aviation and Blade Air Mobility to prepare FBO network for eVTOL operations
Oct. 22, 2024
City To Bengaluru Airport (BLR) In 5 Minutes
Oct. 21, 2024
Atlantic Aviation FBO is preparing to install charging stations for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis in the heart of New York City.
Oct. 18, 2024
Wisk Aero Partners with Airservices Australia to Incorporate Autonomous Air Taxi Network into National Airspace
Australia is an important market for Wisk’s testing and evaluation program and for future commercial service. In 2022, Wisk established an MoU with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Australia’s largest regional local government advocacy organization, and most recently, Wisk expanded its partnership with Skyports Infrastructure to identify an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network for Wisk’s autonomous aircraft ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Wisk Australia Pty Ltd has also recently been established to lead the EIS of Wisk in Australia and will lead the engagement with Airservices under this MoU.
Oct. 15, 2024
The sustainable air transport solution aims to reduce road congestion and improve urban mobility by offering a faster and greener way to travel. Vertiports are a critical ground infrastructure, from where air taxis take-off and land, passengers are processed, and aircraft are recharged and maintained.
Oct. 5, 2024
The Industry Insights
Oct. 3, 2024
Toyota To Invest $500 Million in Joby Aviation
Investment to be made in two equal tranches, with the first targeted to close later this year and the second in 2025; Funds will support certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi; Investment terms to include plans to establish a manufacturing alliance for the first phase of commercialization; Will bring total investment from Toyota Motor Corporation in Joby to $894 million
Oct. 2, 2024
Lilium Debuts Jet in U.S. at Houston Hobby Airport and Signs Infrastructure Partnership with Galaxy FBO
- Houston-based aircraft brokerage EMCJET will showcase the Lilium Jet for the very first time in the U.S. at Galaxy FBO
- Galaxy FBO is partnering with Lilium to ensure accessibility for the Lilium Jet at their Houston-area facilities – Houston Hobby Airport, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and The Woodlands Heliport
- Lilium is collaborating with The Greater Houston Partnership to host a discussion with industry leaders on how electric aviation will revolutionize regional travel in the Houston area
Sep. 27, 2024
Pivotal Hits Industry Milestone, Surpassing 1,000 Crewed eVTOL Flights. 30 Now Trained to Pilot BlackFly Pre-Production Aircraft
Sep. 25, 2024
EHang's first trial flight in Brazil took place in Quadra, located in the São Paulo region, in partnership with its local operator, Gohobby Future Technologies.
Sep. 24, 2024
Eve Air Mobility Names Ex-Rolls-Royce Exec Megha Bhatia As New Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Sep. 17, 2024
EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL Obtains Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency
Sep. 16, 2024
'Air taxis will soon be a reality in India': PM Modi
Sep. 15, 2024
Joby Applies to Become First Certified Electric Air Taxi Operator in UAE
Joby presents the company’s Letter of Intent to initiate Joby’s Air Operator Certificate application to Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.
Sep. 10, 2024
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India publishes national guidelines for vertiport design and operations. The government is looking to push for eVTOL aircraft as part of advanced air mobility solutions.
Sep. 9, 2024
Aug. 24, 2024
Skyports Infrastructure and Wagner Corporation, Australian real estate developer have partnered to explore vertiport development opportunities in the state of Queensland, Australia.
Aug. 19, 2024
Joby Applies for Aircraft Certification in Australia
Joby’s application to Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the validation of an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) type certification builds on a bi-lateral agreement between the U.S. regulator and CASA, and it lays the groundwork for the introduction of quiet, emissions-free air taxis in Australia.
Aug. 6, 2024
CRISALION Mobility announced a partnership with Dubai-based private aviation operator Air Chateau to support the development of electric air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates.
Air Chateau’s pre-order of 10 Integrity eVTOLs announced, expands CRISALION’s pre-orderbook to 125 aircraft. It also represents the company’s first commercial partnership in both the private aviation market and the Middle East.
July 27, 2024
Lilium partners with global airport operator Groupe ADP to expand infrastructure network for the Lilium Jet
- Groupe ADP manages an extensive portfolio of 23 airports in some of Lilium’s key markets including France (all three Paris airports), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh) and Turkey.
- Groupe ADP’s vertiports in the Paris area, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Le Bourget Airports, will significantly bolster the Lilium network in France.
- Partnership enables the development of vertiports in strategic locations worldwide that are crucial for operators of the Lilium Jet.
July 25, 2024
Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group and Sigma Air Mobility, Luxaviation Group announced a joint effort to identify and develop targeted markets for future AAM infrastructure and investments, targeting key markets in South and Southeast Asia and potential opportunities in Southern Europe.
The collaboration is intended to leverage the companies' combined expertise to lead in the visioning, launch and scale-up of decarbonized and accessible air mobility networks in these regions, with Sigma operating Supernal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and providing vertiport development and operations and related services.
EHang announced the signing of a purchase and operation cooperation agreement with KC Smart Mobility Company Limited, a subsidiary of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, the largest non-franchised bus operator in Hong Kong.
This partnership aims to promote the deployment and operation of EHang’s EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) in Hong Kong, Macau, and the cities of Xiangyang and Shiyan in Hubei Province in China.
According to the cooperation agreement, KC Smart Mobility plans to purchase a total of 30 units of EH216-S from EHang.
- The firm order for 50 Lilium jets, with an option for 50 more, is the largest commitment in the eVTOL sector by an airline operator
- Saudia Group leads the aviation industry in the MENA region with the first agreement for the purchase of eVTOL jets
Beta completes Alia CTOL deployments with two U.S. DOD major commands
- Completed more than 24 flight hours and transported more than 2,200 pounds of cargo (up to 500 pounds at a time);
- Delivered various supplies, including meals ready to eat (MREs), utilized group ration boxes (UGR), critical medical equipment, camera systems and a tactics security system (TSS);
- Executed a simulated MEDEVAC mission between operational bases; and
- Filled a logistics gap created by a canceled C-130 airlift.
Victorian Government, Australia releases Advanced Air Mobility action plan
Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates.
UrbanLink Air Mobility, an eVTOL operator based in South Florida, has entered into a partnership agreement with Skyway Technologies, a vertiport development and operations company based in California, for the joint placement of vertiports in key U.S. and Caribbean markets.
UrbanLink and Skyway plan to release more details on specific vertiport routes and locations in South Florida and Puerto Rico over the next six months.
SkyDrive and Kyushu Railway Company have signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for eVTOL deployment in the Kyushu region of Japan.
July 4, 2024
EHang and China Southern Airlines General Aviation Forge Strategic Partnership to Pioneer Pilotless eVTOL Collaborative Operations for Low-Altitude Economy
July 1, 2024
Wisk Aero, acquires Verocel, a software verification and validation (V&V) company. Verocel’s unique expertise in supporting the certification of high-integrity aerospace software and the qualification of V&V tools will play a key role in Wisk’s ongoing effort to certify its Generation 6 autonomous, electric air taxi.
June 25, 2024
UrbanLink Air Mobility Enters Partnership with Ferrovial Vertiports to Explore Vertiport Development in Key U.S. Markets
June 24, 2024
EHang Partners with Wencheng County, Securing Order for 30 Units of EH216-S and Purchase Plan for Additional 270 Units
June 21, 2024
Joby Announces ‘ElevateOS’ Software Suite for Air Taxi Operations
- Joby has developed proprietary software to support revolutionary high-tempo, on-demand air taxi operations
- Software suite has undergone real-world testing over the past two years, leveraging Joby’s Part 135 certification
- Joby’s President of Operations, Bonny Simi, and Chief Product Officer, Eric Allison, to present a ‘Pre-Flight Checklist’ for commercial service
June 20, 2024
SkyDrive Begins FAA Type Certification
The Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, announced that the company has submitted type certificate application of its three-seat eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The application was accepted on April 29, 2024.
June 18, 2024
June 17, 2024
Skyports partners with Unified Aviation to provide a cost-effective, versatile infrastructure solution for air taxi take-off and landing. This partnership will support rapid roll-out of Skyports’ infrastructure globally, facilitating agile and responsive vertiport network growth.
June 14, 2024
EH216-S Pilotless eVTOL Completes Debut Flight in Saudi Arabia
June 12, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) released revised certification requirements for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)
June 10, 2024
Lilium launches China Legal Entity as part of collaboration with the Bao’an District of Shenzhen
- Collaboration will establish Lilium as an active industry player in the region’s low altitude economy
- Lilium is the first European eVTOL manufacturer selected to operate in the district
- Agreement builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year and will see Lilium establish a regional headquarters in the district
June 10, 2024
Is the battery industry ready to propel a new era of aviation? The experts speak
June 8, 2024
Autoliv in Strategic Cooperation Deal With China's Flying Car Maker XPeng Aeroht to develop safety solutions for flying cars.
June 4, 2024
EHang Secures RMB113 Million Order for 50 Units of EH216-S Pilotless eVTOLs from Xishan Tourism to Jointly Promote Low-Altitude Economy in North China
Xishan Tourism has placed a purchase order for 50 units of EHang’s EH216-S, and has paid the total contract price of RMB113 million to EHang. Meanwhile, Xishan Tourism has signed a purchase plan agreement for an additional 450 units of EH216-S over the next two years.
- The Korean government has set the goal of commercializing urban air mobility in the country by the mid-2020s, and in support of that objective the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) is hosting the K-UAM Grand Challenge, which is a public-private joint demonstration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft intended to build public support.
- KakaoMobility’s consortium, which also includes LG UPlus Corp and GS E&C Corp. will participate in the Grand Challenge as one of only three consortiums to hold public demonstration flights in tandem with Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. This participation will include, among various initiatives, public demonstration flights of Archer’s aircraft and engagement with regulators to develop certification and operational standards.
As part of 50M Euro investment in Greece’s ecotourism infrastructure, Aria Hotels is first mover in constructing vertiports used by electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
A boutique hospitality group with approximately 70 properties across Greece known for curating authentic Greek experiences, in 2022, Aria Hotels is one of the first hospitality companies in the world, and the first in Greece, to directly lease the highly innovative eVTOL aircraft. Developed by BETA Technologies, Aria has leased 10 all-electric ALIA eVTOLs through an agreement with LCI, an aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group and a leading aircraft lessor.
Lilium Jet to Take Flight in the French Riviera in 2026
- Lilium, UrbanV, and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport innovative partnership to create vertiport network in the French Riviera as the first region in Europe to enable regional air mobility
- Lilium network to connect Monaco, Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Cannes, Golfe de Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille
- Lilium to sell its jet to operators with flights expected to start in 2026; set to bring low noise, fully electric air travel to a region that attracts 11 million tourists annually
- Lilium network to connect Monaco, Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Cannes, Golfe de Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille
- Lilium to sell its jet to operators with flights expected to start in 2026; set to bring low noise, fully electric air travel to a region that attracts 11 million tourists annually
- Agreement signed with Mukamalah, aviation subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, to introduce eVTOL aircraft to Saudi Arabia
- Agreement contemplates direct sale of aircraft to Mukamalah
- Mukamalah Aviation Company operates world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft
- Agreement contemplates direct sale of aircraft to Mukamalah
- Mukamalah Aviation Company operates world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft
Lilium Begins Construction of Certification Test Facility for the Lilium Jet with SEGULA Technologies
- State-of-the-art test facility to be a cornerstone of the Lilium Jet certification program
- Located at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich (Germany), the 26,000 square feet rig will be used to simulate flights, for system integration testing and to verify aircraft performance through multiple flight profiles
- Designed in collaboration with global engineering group SEGULA Technologies, the facility is expected to be operational in late Summer 2024
Textron eAviation, a business segment of Textron Aviation has acquired substantially all the assets of Amazilia Aerospace, a respected developer of digital flight control, flight guidance and vehicle management systems for civil manned and unmanned aircraft.
Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra group unveils India's first electric flying taxi prototype, praises IIT Madras' innovation
May 11, 2024
He will be responsible for leading the execution of the company’s strategy as it progresses towards certification of the VX4 aircraft, bringing it to market, and launching further fundraising activity.
May 1, 2024
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has officially accepted AutoFlight’s application for the Type Certificate (TC) of their Prosperity 5-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Obtaining airworthiness certification is the initial threshold to ensure aircraft flight safety, and is also the prerequisite for aircraft to enter commercial operation. On March 22, 2024, the CarryAll unmanned aircraft system independently developed by AutoFlight obtained the Type Certificate (TC) issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), becoming the world’s first eVTOL aircraft above one ton to pass type certification.
May 1, 2024
New facility will more than double Joby’s manufacturing footprint in California; Expansion funded in part by $9.8 million California Competes grant; Second production prototype aircraft has rolled off production line
Apr 29, 2024
The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) announces that the number of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft concepts being tracked in its World eVTOL Aircraft Directory has now reached 1,000 concepts from more than 430 designers.
Apr 22, 2024
Archer opens D.C. office; adds key policy, government, and regulatory affairs leaders under former FAA chief as it prepares for commercial launch
Former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and current Archer executive, Billy Nolen, will lead Archer’s regulatory affairs team as its Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer
Former Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Director of Public Engagement at the US DOT, Lynda Tran, recently joined the team as an advisor and will play a critical role in supporting Archer’s regulatory affairs efforts
Former Director of Policy & Government Affairs at Overair, Melissa McCaffrey, joins Archer as its Head of Government Affairs, State & Local
Archer recently opened a Washington D.C. office near the FAA and DOT headquarters to support the company’s growing government relations efforts
Apr 19, 2024
Eve has signed a letter of intent with AirX, Japan’s helicopter charter service, for up to 10 firm and up to 40 optional electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The order will support the continued development and scaling of innovative transportation operations in Japan.
Apr 17, 2024
Flying taxi infrastructure start-up, Skyportz, has established Wilbur Air to provide services in Australia using electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Skyportz will be operating the first 100 Electra.Aero eSTOL aircraft in Australia with further partnerships to come.
Apr 14, 2024
European Commission adopts regulatory package, giving go-ahead for VTOL operations and air taxis
The European Commission has adopted a package of secondary legislation on drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capable aircraft, which puts the final rules in place for the launch of Innovative Air Mobility (IAM), including air taxi services.
The package is based on regulatory proposals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), published in Opinion No 03/2023 in August 2023. The legislation introduces a comprehensive set of requirements for piloted electric air taxis, spanning the domains of Air Operations (Air OPS), Flight Crew Licensing (FCL), Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) and Air Traffic Management (ATM). It also establishes criteria and processes for the certification and maintenance of drones.
The package is the last legislative element required for the launch of air taxi services, complementing other existing legislation. Air taxis will additionally require certification from EASA before such services can become operational in Europe.
The package is based on regulatory proposals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), published in Opinion No 03/2023 in August 2023. The legislation introduces a comprehensive set of requirements for piloted electric air taxis, spanning the domains of Air Operations (Air OPS), Flight Crew Licensing (FCL), Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) and Air Traffic Management (ATM). It also establishes criteria and processes for the certification and maintenance of drones.
The package is the last legislative element required for the launch of air taxi services, complementing other existing legislation. Air taxis will additionally require certification from EASA before such services can become operational in Europe.
Apr 11, 2024
NASA Noise Prediction Tool Supports Users in Air Taxi Industry
This tool allows manufacturers working in fields related to NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission to see early in the aircraft development process how design elements like propellors or wings would perform. This saves the industry time and money when making potential design modifications.
This NASA computer code, called “OVERFLOW,” performs calculations to predict fluid flows such as air, and the pressures, forces, moments, and power requirements that come from the aircraft. Since these fluid flows contribute to aircraft noise, improved predictions can help engineers design quieter models. Manufacturers can integrate the code with their own aircraft modeling programs to run different scenarios, quantifying performance and efficiency, and visually interpreting how the airflow behaves on and around the vehicle. These interpretations can come forward in a variety of colors representing these behaviors.
This computer program is available to industry for U.S. release via the software.nasa.gov website.
This computer program is available to industry for U.S. release via the software.nasa.gov website.
Apr 9, 2024
Start of the test phase of The Edge Company’s BCMS (Bird Concentration Monitoring System) at UrbanV’s Test Vertiport UV. It could protect eVTOL aircraft from birds.
Apr 5, 2024
The production model is ready for flight test, but are we ready to fly?
Apr 4, 2024
More than 400 companies and innovators have registered designs on the World eVTOL Aircraft Directory. Together, they have attracted billions of dollars in funding over the last decade.
For some, those investments could really pay off. One Markets and Markets forecast estimated that the eVTOL market will grow from $1.2 billion dollars in 2023 to $23.4 billion in 2030. That’s an annual average growth rate of 52 percent.
So, are we in the golden age of eVTOL development or the “mother of all aerospace bubbles?” Watch the video above to learn what the field will need to do to reach its ambitious targets.
For some, those investments could really pay off. One Markets and Markets forecast estimated that the eVTOL market will grow from $1.2 billion dollars in 2023 to $23.4 billion in 2030. That’s an annual average growth rate of 52 percent.
So, are we in the golden age of eVTOL development or the “mother of all aerospace bubbles?” Watch the video above to learn what the field will need to do to reach its ambitious targets.
Mar 28, 2024
Joby will deliver two aircraft to MacDill Air Force Base (“AFB”) in 2025 as part of the Company’s AFWERX Agility Prime contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Aircraft will be used by the U.S. Air Force for test and training; Four Joby aircraft are now committed to US Air Force bases as part of the company’s $131M contract with the DoD
Joby delivered its first aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California in September 2023, with a second aircraft expected to be placed on the base this year. At Edwards, the Joby team is working closely with the 412th Test Wing on testing and experimentation that will inform future operational testing at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida.
Mar 19, 2024
Lilium and Atlantic Aviation announce they have signed an MOU to electrify existing airport infrastructure and support regional air mobility.
Partnership aims to establish a planned network to support operators of the Lilium Jet
Mar 13, 2024
Archer And Falcon Aviation To Jointly Develop Vertiport Network In Dubai And Abu Dhabi For The Launch Of Flying Car Operations In UAE As Soon As 2025
Mar 11, 2024
Signature Aviation, the world's largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), and BETA have partnered to install BETA-designed electric charger at several on-airport locations in the east coast.
The partners have already installed the first charger at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and BETA will be installing additional chargers at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) and the Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO). The companies are exploring additional sites to expand their partnership in the future.
Mar 7, 2024
SpaceX-backed Alef Aeronautics is planning to charge $300,000 for the Model A when it becomes available - on 2,850 preorders.
Mar 3, 2024
Lilium Gears Up for Production of the Lilium Jet’s Revolutionary Electric Propulsion Units
- Lilium begins installation of serial production line for propulsion units at Lilium’s production facilities in Wessling, Germany
- First prototype propulsion units expected to come off the line in Q2 2024, marking a key milestone in the Lilium Jet program and positioning Lilium at the forefront of electric jet industrialization
- Propulsion assembly line specially designed in partnership with automation and robotics supplier Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH
Feb 26, 2024
This collaboration marks a significant step towards the future of aviation and the mass production of consumer eVTOL aircraft for the very first time. Nidec, an industry veteran of fifty years and among the world’s largest electric motor manufacturers, will work with AIR to develop an efficient motor customized to support the single-charge journeys of up to 100 miles that AIR ONE offers.
Feb 22, 2024
Joby Aviation becomes the first developer of eVTOL aircraft to complete the third of five stages of FAA type certification process
During the third stage of the process, Joby submitted certification plans that cover all of the aircraft’s structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as the Company’s intended certification approach to cybersecurity, human factors, and noise.
Joby is now fully focused on the fourth stage of the certification process, where the Company will complete tests and analysis for FAA credit covering every component and system on the Joby aircraft – as well as the entire aircraft itself.
Feb 21, 2024
Wisk and the City of Sugar Land, Texas, Partner to Bring Autonomous Air Taxis to the Greater Houston Region
- New partnership to identify and assess locations for a future vertiport and potential training and maintenance facilities at Sugar Land Regional Airport
- Initial partnership serves as a gateway for the establishment of a larger Wisk network, through the development of routes that connect the Greater Houston region
Feb 21, 2024
Both companies join forces to combine Telefónica Tech's connectivity with EHang's technological capabilities in the Urban Air Mobility sector and deploy innovative aerial mobility solutions with drones in Europe and Latin America.
Feb 14, 2024
Joby Receives FAA Approval for Propulsion Certification Plan
FAA acceptance of propulsion certification plan marks critical step towards type certification; All structural, mechanical, and electrical system certification plans now accepted by FAA; Joby continues to demonstrate sector-leading progress on certifying its air taxi with the FAA
Feb 9, 2024
BETA Technologies completes first deployment with U.S. Department of Defense
The Air Force and BETA Technologies finished a three-month stint of flight testing with its “Alia” at Duke Field, Eglin Air Force base (AFB).
Jan 30, 2024
Eve Air Mobility has named four additional suppliers for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Thales will supply a proven air data solution, comprising sensors and a computer while Honeywell will supply guidance, navigation and external lighting for the aircraft. RECARO Aircraft Seating will supply the eVTOL’s seats and FACC will supply the horizontal and vertical tail including the rudder and elevator.
Jan 29, 2024
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation on design proposals for vertiports at existing aerodromes, paving the way for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft operations in the United Kingdom.
- New consultation launched by the UK Civil Aviation Authority on vertiport design at existing aerodromes.
- New policy will prepare the Advanced Air Mobility industry for the entry of electrically powered VTOL aircraft into the aviation industry in the UK.
- Proposals are based around existing policy developed by the regulator to ensure efficiency and safety of new infrastructure.
Jan 24, 2024
Archer Aviation And NASA Sign Space Act Agreement To Collaborate On Mission-Critical EVTOL Aircraft Technologies
- The parties’ collaboration under the NASA Space Act Agreement is focused on ensuring the U.S. leads the world in the next generation of air transportation
- This initial project is one part of a much larger partnership between Archer and NASA and is focused on achieving the highest levels of battery cell safety and systems for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space applications as the parties study high-performance battery cells and perform safety testing on cells and systems
- NASA will test Archer’s battery system design for its Midnight aircraft with specific results being released to advance the entire AAM industry
Jan 22, 2024
Archer Aviation, a developer of eVTOL aircraft, and Atlantic Aviation, a fixed-base operator (FBO) Collaborate on eVTOL Infrastructure Development
Jan 17, 2024
Horizon Aircraft announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with JetSetGo, a regional air operator in India. This LOI allows JetSetGo to purchase 50 Cavorite X7 Aircraft at a purchase price up to $5M USD per aircraft for a total aggregate consideration of $250M USD, with an option to purchase an additional 50 aircraft for a total possible consideration of $500M USD.
Jan 16, 2024
Airport operator Fraport and Lilium announced their strategic collaboration to explore required planning and approval steps for state-of-the-art infrastructure for the implementation of commercial eVTOL operations at airports. Fraport is active at 30 international airports across four continents.
Jan 11, 2024
Joby Aviation has signed a definitive agreement with Clay Lacy Aviation to install Southern California’s first electric air taxi charger at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA.
The installation of electrical infrastructure to support Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) comes as part of Clay Lacy’s planned $100 million redevelopment of its fixed-based operator (FBO) terminal at SNA, targeting completion in mid-2025.
The installation of electrical infrastructure to support Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) comes as part of Clay Lacy’s planned $100 million redevelopment of its fixed-based operator (FBO) terminal at SNA, targeting completion in mid-2025.
Jan 8, 2024
Aviation International News (AIN) brought together experts from the advanced air mobility sector to discuss what will be necessary to pave the way for eVTOL aircraft to enter commercial service and what this future might look like.
The Participants
Matheu Parr – customer director, Rolls-Royce Electrical, Kevin Cox – CEO, Ferrovial Vertiports, Adrienne Lingren – head of city activation, Supernal, Nate Ward – charging network development lead, Beta Technologies, Addison Ferrell – director of infrastructure, Skyports
Jan 1, 2024
Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, SkyDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad to collaborate on unmanned drone technology to expand the drone market in India.
Dec 26, 2023
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) NAMED AS DEVELOPMENT PARTNER FOR FLORIDA’S ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY SYSTEM
Dec 22, 2023
Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ResilienX to collaborate on their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vertiport project at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Dec 15, 2023
Autonomous Avoidance and Separation
Dec 12, 2023
Air New Zealand has ordered an eVTOL aircraft from Beta in its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme.
Dec 5, 2023
Honeywell Selected By Lilium To Provide Micro Vapor Cycle System to optimize cabin cooling and manage electric battery.
Dec 4, 2023
Eve Air Mobility and the private jet operator have conducted an initial software simulation of Eve’s Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) solution. The initiative validated and refined the software through user testing and feedback on its interface and industry value.
Nov 30, 2023
Overair, DFW International Airport to Collaborate on Exploring eVTOL Operations Throughout Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
The agreement will create a joint, cross-functional working group to explore the policies and infrastructure needed to implement an integrated, sustainable eVTOL program at DFW in the future.
The agreement will create a joint, cross-functional working group to explore the policies and infrastructure needed to implement an integrated, sustainable eVTOL program at DFW in the future.
Nov 16, 2023
Eve Air Mobility and Kookiejar, a Swedish-based vertiport developer, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Eve’s Urban ATM (Air Traffic Management) system to support vertiport operations in Dubai.
Nov 13, 2023
InterGlobe Enterprises And Archer Aviation Announce Plans To Launch All-Electric Air Taxi Service Across India In 2026
Nov 9, 2023
