Results for: ASKA

Bay Area based ASKA has had quite the busy summer since it announced receipt of its FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate.

The size of an SUV in the drive mode, the four-seater ASKA A5 is the world’s first flying car that can travel by road and air with vertical takeoff and landing VTOL and short takeoff and landing STOL capabilities. The drive & fly eVTOL is designed with maximum safety standards and a 250 mile flight range.

Last week, the successfully completed its first airborne tests, lifting from a California airfield with hovered thrust while the vehicle was tethered to the ground. Further, ASKA is road legal with the California DMV and has completed more than 300 miles of road testing in the Bay Area.

Guy Kaplinsky, CEO/Cofounder, stated: “It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment for the team to reach this new milestone. This moment represents a giant leap for the Aviation and Automotive industries. Having accomplished the first series of hover flight testing as well as driving testing, ASKA is a pioneer in the field of electric flying cars with VTOL capabilities.”

Maki Kaplinsky, CoFounder/Chair & COO, commented on the A5’s next steps towards commercialization in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. “This first lift-off was a true accomplishment and years of engineering design and analysis became a reality. A5 successfully lifted off and maintained thrust hover status. We are closely working with the FAA to ensure continued excellent progress with our flight testing. We will continue the optimization of hovering and VTOL. The next phase will be working toward transition into cruise and STOL.”

ASKA followed up its first flight tests with a high profile public appearance at Monterey Car Week at Pebble Beach. While ASKA’s A5 eVTOL did not fly at the event, the company demonstrated advanced capabilities including on-road driving demonstrations and public displays of the wings opening and closing, and the props turning.

“This event was a major public demonstration of advanced technological achievements, such as driving and opening and closing the wings and the props turning,” explained Guy Kaplinsky, CEO/Cofounder. “The last big event for us was CES Las Vegas in January 2023, when we debuted the fully-functional full-scale prototype of ASKA™ A5. We are hitting our targets for this year and progressing with type certification with the FAA.”

Why it matters: ASKA has been relatively in stealth mode since its CES debut earlier this year. With the issuance of its Special Airworthiness Certificate and successful public demonstrations and test flights, it is clear ASKA is a real contender in the eVTOL space. If all goes to plan, ASKA hopes to certify and commercialize their eVTOL craft by 2026.

Merlin Labs, an advanced aviation technology company, has reached a significant milestone in the development of its advanced automated flight system. Following a lucrative $1 million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Merlin recently completed a series of 25 test flights in Alaska, showcasing its highly-automated flight control system alongside a safety pilot.

In collaboration with the FAA-designated University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site and Everts Air Cargo, Merlin successfully deployed its integrated hardware and software solution, the Merlin Pilot, on crewed aircraft for these groundbreaking test flights. Departing from Fairbanks, the flights ventured into rural areas, reaching destinations such as Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Tanana, and Prudhoe Bay. Throughout the course of these flights, the Merlin Pilot logged over sixty hours of autonomous flight time, collecting vital data in real-world conditions characterized by challenging terrains and adverse weather.

This extensive data acquisition is crucial for enhancing Merlin’s in-flight capabilities and driving progress in aviation autonomy. By pushing the boundaries of technology in actual operating environments, Merlin aims to make the skies safer and more accessible for future generations. As a result of these successful test flights, Merlin has achieved a major feat, becoming the first autonomy system to be integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS).

Operating in Alaska poses unique challenges due to its vast distances, extreme climate variations, and limited communication coverage. Dr. Cathy Cahill, Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at the UAF Geophysical Institute, praised Merlin’s ability to navigate these challenges successfully. She emphasized their integrated approach to Alaska’s distinctive ecosystem as a key factor in their selection for collaboration with the FAA. Merlin’s commitment to using real data for training their onboard automation system ensures the highest level of safety.

Matthew George, co-founder and CEO of Merlin, expressed his gratitude for the support and partnership of the FAA, Everts Air Cargo, and ACUASI. He highlighted the critical role played by the flight trial data in refining their in-flight technology and certifying the Merlin Pilot. Moreover, George underscored the significance of the Merlin Pilot’s capability to access remote locations in Alaska, demonstrating its potential to support dangerous missions.

Why it’s important: Merlin’s successful completion of the test flights in Alaska represents a significant step forward in advancing the future of automated flight. By collecting valuable data in challenging real-world environments, Merlin’s technology holds the potential to advance flight operations crewing solutions while also increasing the safety and repeatability of operational execution.

ASKA A5 is the world’s first flying car to start the type certification process with the FAA. The Silicon Valley air mobility company’s prototype was awarded Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Special Airworthiness Certification by the FAA and has started flight testing.

Since 2022 ASKA has performed successful ground testing and in Q1/2023 began conducting on-street driving tests. This Special Airworthiness Certificate signals that ASKA™ A5 has successfully met all FAA safety requirements.

“We have achieved a series of technological milestones; debuting the first full-scale working prototype of the ASKA™ A5 in January at CES, successfully performing field and driving tests, and obtaining the COA and Special Airworthiness Certification for our pre-production prototype,” says Guy Kaplinsky, CEO/Cofounder. “The data we are harvesting from flight testing is enabling us to make progress towards our type certification. We already completed the initial phase and are progressing towards our next milestone, G1 status.”

The size of an SUV, the four-seater ASKA™ A5 is a drive & fly eVTOL that can travel by road and air. The vehicle is designed for the highest level of safety, a key factor that has enabled the company to make positive progress with the FAA toward type certification. Other key features include:

• Dual hybrid energy supply: ASKA is hybrid with batteries and a range extender engine that charges the batteries in-flight. Uses premium gasoline available from today’s gas stations
• Large Aerodynamic wings, optimized for safe landing with ability to glide
• Six independent motor systems for flight
• Sufficient reserve flight time to meet FAA safety requirement
• Ballistic parachute
• 4 seat capacity (1 pilot and 3 passengers)
• Capable of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) from helipads and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) from runways
• Max flight range 250 miles
• Airspeed up to 150mph

“The airworthiness certification validates our efforts to develop a drive & fly eVTOL with an emphasis on safety,” explains Maki Kaplinsky, CoFounder/Chair & COO. “One of the significant advantages of a roadworthy eVTOL, like the ASKA™ A5, is that it does not require the modification or electrification of existing airports since it can maximize the use of today’s infrastructure, such as the many charging stations located around us. We are working with local airports in the Bay Area to test and confirm our concept of operations – they open the gate, ASKA™ A5 drives in as a car, drives/taxis to the helipad or runway, transforms into the flight mode and can take off.”

ASKA™ A5 makes the maximum use of existing infrastructure, such as parking, charging stations, airfields, helipads and runways, for a seamless integration into city and suburban landscapes. The vehicle fits in standard parking spaces, it can be charged at home and EV charging stations, and the range extender engine runs on premium gasoline purchased at existing automotive gas stations.

Pre-order reservations launched in 2021 and the company has already secured $50M in pre-orders.

Why it’s important: This announcement demonstrates that ASKA has been working closely with the FAA on type certification, which signifies the design is in compliance with applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards. Further, G-1 basis is a critical milestone in the FAA cross-validation process, establishing airworthiness and environmental requirements necessary to achieve FAA Type Certification Validation.

Related:

• ASKA eVTOL to debut at CES 2023
• NFT Aska eVTOL Now Available for Pre-Order

ZeroAvia has announced a major partnership with Alaska Airlines to develop a 76-passenger, hydrogen fuel-cell powered aircraft. The aircraft will be a Bombardier Q400, which was provided to ZeroAvia by Alaska Airlines. ZeroAvia will retrofit the Q400 with hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to make it the first of its kind.

ZeroAvia, a major developer of hydrogen-electric powertrains for commercial aircraft, has already had great success in setting multiple hydrogen propulsion records in flight-tested aircraft.

Through this partnership, ZeroAvia was officially provided with a retired Alaska Airlines Bombardier Q400. Thanks to this donation, ZeroAvia will be able to convert the Dash-8 airframe into the largest hydrogen-powered aircraft ever to take flight.

At the partnership event, ZeroAvia also debuted its multi-megawatt modular electric motor system in a 1.8MW prototype, which featured a live demonstration with a propeller spin on ZeroAvia’s ground-test rig. When combined with ZeroAvia’s in-house developed higher temperature PEM fuel cells and advanced power electronics, this advanced electric motor technology becomes one of the crucial elements needed to make hydrogen fuel cell engines commercially viable for larger aircraft.

ZeroAvia’s 15-ton “HyperTruck” ground-test rig

Said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, “Demonstrating this size of aircraft in flight, powered entirely by novel propulsion, would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Launching this program puts us on track for a test flight next year, and accelerates our progress toward the future of zero-emission flight for Alaska Airlines and for the world at large.”

ZeroAvia plans is targeting a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. The company has already demonstrated a successful test flight this January of a 19-seat aircraft with its prototype 600kW hydrogen-electric engine (ZA600), and has secured $10B in pre-orders from a number of major global airlines. The company is on track for commercial operations of retrofitted aircraft by 2025.

Alaska Airlines established a collaboration with ZeroAvia in 2021, and made a major investment in the company to facilitate the advancement of zero emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft.

Why it’s important: As one of the largest airlines in the U.S. with a broad regional network, Alaska is has an exceptional opportunity to begin integrating zero-emissions propulsion technology into its regional fleet. Through this partnership, ZeroAvia will be given a chance to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-propulsion for larger aircraft, and Alaska Airlines will be able to set a precedent for zero-emissions regional transportation.

Source // Alaska Airlines, Electrek

Related:

• ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance (March 2023)
• ZeroAvia Achieves First Flight of its Hydrogen-Electric Prototype (January 2023)
• Hydrogen-Powered ZeroAvia Aircraft Takes Flight (August 2019)

Airflow, the developer of one of the world’s first eSTOLs (hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing aircraft), has officially inked a deal with Anchorage-based regional airline Ravn for 50 of its aircraft.

Initial iteration concept for Airflow’s hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft

Airflow bills itself as an ‘aerial logistics’ company that’s developing a unique hybrid-electric aircraft for short takeoff and landing missions. Founded in 2019 by five former members of the Airbus Vahana, Airflow’s mission is to transform regional mobility of both passengers and cargo through innovative distributed electric propulsion technology that will enable quiet, efficient, and economical air transport. To this end, its aircraft be able to take-off and land within 300 feet, and offer a hybrid-electric range of up to 500, and carry up to 2,000lbs of payload.

According to a recent press release by Airflow, Ravn Alaska’s order for 50 aircraft will bring the total order book for Airflow’s aircraft up to $200 million. For Ravn, goals for the aircraft will be to expand which destinations they can fly to, improve route economics, and lower carbon emissions. Ravn plans to introduce Airflow aircraft to its fleet by 2025.

Said Rob McKinney, CEO of Ravn Alaska, “As a regional operator, we are committed to serving the many large and small communities of Alaska… With Airflow, we benefit from the new capabilities the aircraft offers that open up new and different destinations, the constantly improving efficiencies of electrification, and alignment between our fleet and the rising demands of our customers to travel with the smallest carbon footprint possible.”

Said Marc Ausman, CEO and cofounder of Airflow, At Airflow, we’re partnering with companies that seek to add new aircraft with new capabilities to their fleets that are flexible, cost-effective, and carbon-neutral. The Airflow team has designed, built, and flown new aircraft on rapid timescales together before, and now we’re applying those learnings to an aircraft that will improve operating economics for airlines and contribute positively to reducing aviation’s carbon impact.”

Side view of Airflow’s concept aircraft

Why it’s important: As aerial mobility develops, it is becoming clear that there are many different segments of the industry that can be served by the new distributed electric propulsion technology. While eVTOLs make sense for urban applications, eSTOLs like Airflow’s will also be an excellent solution for increasing route flexibility, improving economics, and reducing carbon emissions on regional transportation missions. In the future, watch for developments of short take-off and landing aircraft as they enter into service for regional transport, and pave the way for even more kinds of electric aircraft to hit the skies.

Related:

• TransportUP’s Podcast Episode With Airflow CEO and Co-founder Marc Ausman
• Electra Unveils First Product Configuration
• Airflow Launches an Electric STOL

Silicon Valley-based NFT has announced Aska, its eVTOL prototype and the first of its kind suited for owner-operators. The prototype is also one of the first aerial mobility vehicles which plans to be street legal in addition to its flight capabilities.

The Aska will have four seats, with a range of 250 miles at speeds up to 150 mph. It is semi-autonomous, and will require a licensed pilot to operate, although NFT has announced plans to include pilot training for early customers. Full scale demonstration flights are fast approaching in 2022 where NFT hopes to fly Aska as part of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign alongside Boeing, Bell, and others.

“We have focused significantly on Aska’s safety elements, which include dual energy sources, large wings, large propellers, and 6 packs of batteries to ensure Aska is as safe in the air as it is on the ground. We anticipate that flying cars that are accessible to the general public will be as instrumental in re-defining how and where we live as the original automobile was to the foundation of our country’s highway and road systems.” said Guy Kaplinsky, Co-founder & CEO, NFT. “To build a better society and a better economy, we need better transportation solutions, and flying cars will be a part of that equation,” said Maki Kaplinsky, Co-founder & Chair/COO, NFT.

The first 1,500 serial Aska eVTOL aircraft will be a Signature Model priced at $789,000. The price tag includes pilot training and a customized interior and exterior. NFT CEO Guy Kaplinsky says later units will sell for $589,000 and eventually $359,000. Taking after Tesla’s pricing strategy, initial buyers will pay a premium due to low production volumes. As time progresses, NFT hopes to increase production and lower Aska’s purchase price.

As a part of the launch event, NFT has launched a showroom in Los Altos, CA which features Aska mockups and a learning center for those unfamiliar with urban air mobility.

Aska is targeted for an entry to service in 2026, pending regulatory approval and certification.

Why it matters: NFT’s Aska is one of the first consumer-focused eVTOLs with owners being the primary operators. The semi-autonomous vehicle will be street legal and allow operators to transition smoothly from road travel to flight in a matter of minutes. For a refundable initial deposit of $5,000, private citizens now have an opportunity to be early adopters in aerial mobility. With a reasonable unit price, we can expect to see NFT competing for the privately-owned UAM market share as it develops its business strategy and begins test flights in 2022.

In a significant boost to California’s aerial mobility sector, Joby has received a $9.8 million CalCompetes grant from the state’s Office of Business and Economic Development. This investment supports the expansion of Joby’s manufacturing facilities in Marina, California, and will play a pivotal role in accelerating the early manufacturing phases crucial for the company’s anticipated commercial operations set for 2025.

The grant is financial catalyst and also a commitment to the local economy, promising to create 690 full-time jobs across the state by 2027. With a $41.3 million investment pledged by Joby, the company is gearing up for a significant increase in manufacturing volumes, alongside initiating training programs for pilots and aircraft maintainers.

Joby’s vision aligns with the state’s legislative direction, as indicated by Senator Anna Caballero’s remarks on the Marina Way and the passage of SB800, which lays out the regulatory framework for Advanced Air Mobility. The collaboration between government, industry, and community is a testament to a shared goal of tackling climate change, housing, and transportation issues through innovative solutions like eVTOL aircraft.

Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina, highlights the local impact of this grant, which will see the expansion of Joby’s production capabilities at Marina Municipal Airport. This expansion also aims to serve as a form of community enrichment, as highlighted by Maria Elena Manzo of Mujeres en Acción. The project signifies an inclusive economic development model, where community engagement and partnership are key.

While California remains the focal point for Joby’s initial operations, the company’s broader vision includes a sizable manufacturing plant in Dayton, Ohio, aiming to produce up to 500 aircraft annually and generate 2,000 clean manufacturing jobs.

Earlier this month, Joby also marked a milestone by conducting the first electric air taxi flight in New York City, signaling an impending shift in urban air travel dynamics.

Why it’s important: With over 1,250 employees in California and more than 160 open positions, Joby continues to remain one of the leaders in eVTOL innovation, shaping the future of urban air mobility with an environmentally conscious approach. This recent financial endorsement by California is a clear indication of the state’s support for clean, cutting-edge transportation solutions that promise to revolutionize cityscapes and commuting patterns in the future.

Archer and Air Chateau International, one of the leading private aviation operators in the UAE, have signed an MOU covering a planned purchase by Air Chateau of up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft with an approximate value of $500M and providing for an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of $1M by December 31, 2023. Air Chateau plans to own and operate the Midnight aircraft in the UAE region.

The two companies will now work to formalize the definitive agreements covering the planned purchase over the coming months, with $4 million of additional pre-delivery payments contemplated to be paid following signing. 

Air Chateau was the first private heliport operator company in the UAE to have its heliport and lounge terminal at the land side of Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Helipark and with multiple touch points across the UAE. Air Chateau’s operations offer last mile services targeted at ultra-high net worth individuals, including connectivity between airports, cities and strategic points and key attractions. 

The relationship is intended to further strengthen Archer’s recently announced plans to commence air taxi operations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026. The parties intend to explore opportunities to collaborate on bringing in the infrastructure investment necessary for these cities to be ready for these planned operations.

“It was an honor hosting Air Chateau’s team at the Dubai Air Show 2023 during which they were able to touch, see and feel our aircraft as it headlined the show,” said Archer Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein. “Their recognition that our Midnight aircraft meets what the customer demands in the UAE market and desire to secure the purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft is another exciting validation of our efforts to bring to market an aircraft that will revolutionize how people move in and around cities.”

“This remarkable opportunity signifies the ongoing evolution of Air Chateau, heralding a transformative era in our industry. Embarking on our journey into being an infrastructure provider two years ago for helicopters, today, we stand at the precipice of realizing our vision for the future of urban air mobility with eVTOLs in Dubai and across the UAE. The support of our visionary partners has been instrumental in our journey, and as we unveil this exciting chapter, we are privileged to share a collective vision. We are very grateful for having the opportunity to pave the way for the future of Air Mobility in Dubai with Archer” said Dr. Samir Mohamed, Chairman and Founder of Air Chateau.

In October, as part of Archer’s announcement of its plans to commence air taxi operations in the UAE in 2026, Archer also laid out its intent to build an engineering Center of Excellence to support the growing advanced air mobility industry in the UAE and across the Middle East and to collaborate with local manufacturing companies and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers in Abu Dhabi to spearhead the production of eVTOL aircraft, furthering Abu Dhabi’s efforts to grow its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster.

Why it matters: Air Chateau’s clientele is the perfect synergy for the value proposition of aerial mobility. Archer’s Midnight eVTOL will serve the area and connect passengers in the UAE with their final mile destinations. Further, the advanced payments by Air Chateau will help provide Archer with some extra cash flow as it completes of flight testing of Midnight.

Source: Archer Press Release

Elroy Air, based in Byron, California, marked a groundbreaking achievement on November 12 with the successful flight of the Chaparral C1, the world’s first turbogenerator-hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The autonomous C1, designed for middle-mile express shipping, humanitarian logistics, and military resupply, combines distributed electric propulsion and a turbogenerator-battery architecture.

Taking off from Byron Airport, the Chaparral C1 utilized its turbogenerator system and high-power batteries to achieve a vertical takeoff, flying for 57 seconds before landing safely. Elroy Air CEO Dave Merrill expressed excitement, noting the aircraft’s significance in advancing their mission to enable same-day shipping globally and providing low-risk resupply for defense operations.

Hybrid-electric aircraft, a critical advancement in aviation, offer robust operations through distributed electric propulsion (DEP), ensuring safety in case of motor failure – a key aspect for autonomy. The turbogenerator-hybrid architecture, combining a gas turbine-driven generator with batteries, addresses the energy density limitations of battery-electric aircraft, enabling long-range missions without the need for extensive charging infrastructure.

The achievement received praise from industry experts, including Ashish Bagai, an advanced rotorcraft expert, highlighting the complexity of managing power output in true VTOL and vertical flight capable aircraft.

The Chaparral C1 has garnered significant interest from commercial, humanitarian, and defense partners, with a backlog exceeding $3 billion in future revenues. Active contracts with the US Air Force further validate its capabilities for addressing urgent operational needs in logistics.

Elroy Air plans to expand the Chaparral’s demonstrated flight capabilities through collaboration with the US Air Force, including modes such as expanded hover, system identification, transition, and cruise flight. The company, supported by investors and industry giants, continues its mission to reshape logistics possibilities and provide same-day shipping worldwide.

Why it’s important: Elroy Air overcame significant challenges in electrical power management and structural vibration to bring the Chaparral C1 into flight testing. The company, with intellectual property and technical experience, positions itself as a leader in hVTOL aircraft development. The project’s importance is underscored by its backing from key figures, including Dr. Mark Esper, 27th US Secretary of Defense and Elroy Air Board Member.

Related: Elroy Air Secures More Than $2B in Total Aircraft Demand

Electra completed the inaugural flight of its EL-2 Goldfinch aircraft on November 19th from the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia. This hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft reflects technological advancements that are incorporated into a unique configuration which could help to change the way short missions and regional travel are conducted in the future.

The Goldfinch is a two-seat eSTOL technology demonstrator and utilizes blown lift technology powered by eight electric motors. This innovation enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings—akin to the agility of a helicopter—while delivering the efficiency and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft. The successful test flights to date have showcased the aircraft’s all-electric and hybrid-electric capabilities; the 23-minute flight covered 30 miles of air distance.

The significance of these achievements lies in the Goldfinch and similar eVTOL or eSTOL aircrafts’ potential for urban and regional mobility. They’re designed to operate from compact spaces that are impractical for traditional aircraft and helicopters, unlocking access to thousands of communities currently underserved by conventional air travel. The noise and emission reductions inherent in Electra’s technology also align with growing environmental consciousness and regulatory demands.

Looking forward, Electra’s vision extends to a nine-passenger commercial variant of the Goldfinch, aiming to reshape the airport environment by only requiring 150 feet of “runway” for takeoff, 200 mph cruise speeds, and 500-mile range. The market response for aerial mobility projects has been positive, with over 30 customers pre-ordering more than 1,700 aircraft.

Supported by strategic funding from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX Agility Prime Program, Electra anticipates that the Goldfinch will receive FAA Part 23 certification by 2028. This timeline sets the stage for the Goldfinch to not only serve traditional air travel routes but also to innovate middle-mile cargo logistics, offering a faster, quieter, and more efficient alternative to ground transportation for distances between 50 and 500 miles.

Why it’s important: Electra’s achievement with the EL-2 Goldfinch is more than a technical milestone; it’s a preview toward how aerial mobility transportation could advance connectivity and sustainability, transforming short to medium-haul travel into a quiet, clean, and highly efficient experience. As cities grow denser and the demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions accelerates, Electra’s eSTOL aircraft provide a sustainable approach to enhanced urban and regional connectivity.

Aerial mobility company Overair has partnered with the City of Arlington, Texas, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to create the frameworks for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) operations.

Overair’s alliance with Arlington marks the first direct agreement between a Texan city and an eVTOL manufacturer. This strategic move includes construction of a vertiport at Arlington Municipal Airport, linking travelers seamlessly to the Entertainment District and beyond. The initiative helps to elevate and include Arlington in the advanced aerial mobility landscape and also promises to create new employment opportunities and fuel technological advancements in transport.

Meanwhile, the memorandum with DFW Airport reflects the commitment to explore vertiport development and operational integration, cementing the Metroplex’s status as a future hub for innovative air mobility. Overair’s feasibility studies will delve into the logistics of eVTOL services, addressing potential flight operations and vertiport scenarios. This effort aims to ensure that the region’s over 8 million residents and annual influx of tourists benefit from accessible, efficient, and eco-conscious travel solutions.

Central to this endeavor is Overair’s Butterfly, an eVTOL aircraft engineered for safety, efficiency, and low noise levels which is also capable of operating in a range of weather conditions. As the company moves through the FAA’s Innovate28 initiative, it remains dedicated to overcoming the logistical hurdles of urban and regional transportation.

Arlington’s commitment to innovation, coupled with DFW Airport’s pledge to foster a new era of air mobility, heralds a future where electric AAM is not just a possibility but a practical reality. This groundbreaking collaboration aligns with the city’s vision of socioeconomic progress and the airport’s dedication to sustainability, setting a precedent for cities and airports worldwide to follow suit.

Why it’s important: The integration of Overair and additional eVTOL infrastructure into Arlington and potentially across the DFW Metroplex signifies a step forward for the aerial mobility industry in North Texas. These actions are a leap characterized by the promise of swift, sustainable, and smart transportation that aligns with the evolving needs of modern societies. As these projects take flight, they are a reminder that advanced aerial mobility services are coming closer to offerability with the general public.

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish innovator in electric mobility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with VALTRANS Transportation Systems at the Dubai Airshow. This alliance marks a notable development in the aerial and ground mobility sectors, with VALTRANS becoming the exclusive distributor for Crisalion Mobility’s avant-garde solutions in the Gulf region.

The collaboration was announced in the Dubai Airshow’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Pavilion, signifying Crisalion Mobility’s commitment to expanding their global footprint. This partnership aims to increase the region’s transportation infrastructure with Crisalion’s technologies, including their under-development Integrity eVTOL. The aircraft will be powered by Crisalion’s FlyFree technology with a patented stability system. Crisalion claims that the versatility of their aircraft will allow for a wide array of applications, from passenger and emergency transportation to cargo and tourism.

Additionally, Crisalion Mobility’s ground mobility solutions will also be distributed by VALTRANS. These solutions integrate teleoperation and the management of dynamic convoys from a central control hub, powered by Crisalion’s Intellydrive technology.

Why it’s important: This partnership underscores a mutual dedication to sustainability and innovation between Crisalion Mobility and VALTRANS. VALTRANS brings over two decades of experience in integrating network transportation with hospitality, a synergy that will enrich the Gulf’s mobility landscape. This strategic move is not only a commercial milestone but also a significant step toward realizing a sustainable and technologically advanced transportation future in the gulf. As the region faces growing urbanization and environmental challenges, the alliance between Crisalion Mobility and VALTRANS is expected to help shape a greener and more efficient mobility landscape in the region.