ABB E-mobility has been confirmed to be the provider for the charging infrastructure for Lilium’s eVTOL aerial mobility network. With this agreement, ABB will provide development, testing, and supply services for the MegaWatt fast charging systems that will be used in Lilium’s network. In addition, the ABB charging points will be designed to be capable of bringing batteries to full charge within 30 minutes and 80% charge within 15 minutes, which will be enough for the 20-25 flights per aircraft per day that Lilium plans for its global vertiport network. The network currently will offer services in Brazil, Germany, and the United States, with plans to expand further. 

ABB is a global technology company that focuses on energizing essential services in modern society and industry in order to provide a more sustainable future. The company’s MegaWatt Charging System (MCS) will allow for DC charging of up to 1000 kW and can also be used in heavy duty applications such as trucks or buses. 

Daniel Wiegand, CEO and Co-Founder of Lilium stated that, “We believe that the decarbonisation of aviation is both urgent and inevitable. Making sure we have the right charging infrastructure will play a crucial role in enabling our high-speed regional air network by allowing quick and efficient charging. We are proud to be working with ABB, who bring decades of experience in electrification and software, to set the charging industry standard for electric aviation.”

According to their website, ABB “engineers the electrification solutions for the transport of tomorrow, today. Including smart transportation solutions from EV chargers for the home, through electrified fleet depots and opportunity charging for electric bus and trucks, to high-power chargers for the highway stations of the future.” 

Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division stated that, “Combining Lilium’s mission to grow sustainable aviation with ABB’s global market expertise and leadership in e-mobility and charging infrastructure is a win for the environment and a win for passengers. Moreover, we see this planned partnership as an important commitment to all relevant charging standards that are adopted by multiple electric ‘vehicle’ manufacturers. By supporting the new MegaWatt charging standard, ABB E-mobility is paving the way for the electrification of all modes of transport, from cars and trucks to marine vessels, mining vehicles, and now, aviation.”

Lilium’s seven seater Lilium Jet, the flagship aircraft for the company’s global vertiport network, will possess a range of 155 miles with a cruise speed of 175 mph.

The Lilium Jet. Photograph: Lilium

Why it’s important: In 2019, global CO₂ emissions from all commercial air operations reached 918 million tons, an increase of 29% since 2013.. With passenger transport responsible for 780 million tons, or 85%, of the total emissions from air operations, decarbonisation of transport is a vital step in the fight against climate change and building a more sustainable future. 

Source // eVTOL Insights

Archer Aviation has now become the third air taxi company to be listed publicly since August 2021 after successfully completing a merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corp, a SPAC. Archer now can be found in the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ACHR. According to Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer, “Completing our go-public transaction and having Archer trade on the New York Stock Exchange is a huge milestone for our business. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the great team we have at Archer, but it is also the beginning of the next phase of our development and growth.”

The merger between Atlas Crest and Archer is expected to generate $857.6 million in gross proceeds, including $600 million from a private investment in public equity (PIPE) deal. According to Adam Goldstein, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer, “We are working to build an urban air mobility network that can change the way people travel in and around cities forever. We believe we have the team, the technology and the strategic partners to make our vision a reality.”

Archer Aviation’s Maker eVTOL. Photograph: Archer Aviation

“We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in closing our transaction with Archer,” said Michael Spellacy, CEO of Atlas Crest, in a statement. “With the proceeds from this transaction, Archer is entering the public markets from a position of financial and competitive strength to accomplish their mission of revolutionizing the future of urban transportation.”

Archer Aviation currently has a two-seat demonstrator of their planned eVTOL aircraft, called the Maker, which is expected to begin flight testing by the end of 2021. The aircraft features a range of 52 nautical miles (60 statute miles) and a cruise speed of 130 knots (150 mph), with a total weight of 1,508 kg (3,335 lbs). The eVTOL’s noise level is said to be 45 dBA, which Archer describes as “inaudible while flying overhead.” Its electric motors will be powered by six independent lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 75 kWh and maximum power of 672 kw.

Archer Aviation’s Maker eVTOL. Photograph: Archer Aviation

Why it’s important: Archer Aviation is now the third air taxi developer to start public trading since August—the second just this week—after successfully completing this merger. “We founded Archer to address the environmental and societal issues caused by road transportation and urban overloading,” said Goldstein. “Through our all-electric aircraft, we are striving to curb carbon emissions, decrease traffic, and create the transportation networks of the future.”

Source // Flying Mag

Samad Aerospace continues to display progress of their E-Starling eVTOL aircraft, with its VTOL operations now having been announced to be fully functional. As of now, Samad’s development has been centered around their half-scale prototypes of the E-Starling, which has undergone various flight testing. While conventional flight was displayed back in March 2021, Samad Aerospace’s development has taken another step forward, showing footage of the E-Starling’s now fully functioning front and rear lift fans for VTOL flight. 

The flight tests included evaluations on aircraft flight dynamics, performance as well as handling qualities. As the e-Starling adopts a semi blended wing body (BWB) design, it requires a low angle for take-off; it is important to understand when the aircraft is capable of taking-off and at which speed.

Dr. Seyed Mohseni, CEO of Samad Aerospace, commented that “The Q-Starling will give owners the ultimate luxury in personal hybrid-electric flying. The efficient sustainable Q-Starling will give passengers unparalleled point-to-point mobility options.” The company categorized the Q-Starling as “a clever mix of fighter jet and VTOL allowing you to fly from a tennis court or super-yacht helipad to an event 500 miles away in under 2 hours.”

Production of the aircraft All materials used in the aircraft are made of ultra-light carbon fiber giving a higher performance capability and enabling semi-aerobatic maneuvers due to the increased strength of the composite material and design.

Samad Aerospace’s E-Starling

Why it’s important: Samad’s Starling project has potential to result in commercializing the world’s first e-VTOL hybrid aircraft. The company’s CEO, Dr Seyed Mohammad Mohseni, praised his team’s resilience attributing this latest success to their, “striking and unparalleled dedication during unprecedented times.” Samad’s Chief Production Officer explains, “We believe passionately in our proven technology, Covid-19 threw a few challenges our way, but this passion fuels our determination, securing this success.” 

Source // New Atlas

HyPoint and Piasecki Aircraft have agreed to partner for the development of a hydrogen fuel cell system for eVTOL aircraft, which could provide four times the energy density of existing batteries, twice the power of existing hydrogen fuel cell systems, and a 50% reduction in operating costs. According to Alex Ivanenko, founder and CEO of HyPoint, “The much-anticipated arrival of eVTOLs and similar aircraft has been severely hindered by the technical limitations of existing power systems. This new strategic partnership will dramatically accelerate delivery timelines by equipping eVTOL manufacturers with next-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems that meet their unique needs. Together, HyPoint and Piasecki will work to grow the emerging eVTOL market by delivering a certified multiplatform solution for eVTOL makers. In addition, we share a common vision for making safe, cost-effective zero carbon-emission flight a reality for conscientious businesses and consumers around the world.”

Piasecki’s eVTOL PA-890 Compound Helicopter.
Photograph: Piasecki

The partnership, valued at $6.5 million USD, will first focus on the development of five 650kW hydrogen fuel cell systems for integration in Piasecki’s eVTOL PA-890 Compound Helicopter. Piasecki will retain exclusive rights to the hydrogen fuel cell systems in the PA-890, but both companies look to develop new customizable systems for purchase that could be used in other eVTOL aircraft platforms. According to HyPoint, the fuel cell systems, which use compressed air for cooling and oxygen supply, will be able to achieve 2,000 watts per kilogram of specific power, and have up to 1,500 watt-hours per kilogram of energy density. 

“We are laser-focused on the development and qualification of a 650kW system for our PA-890 eVTOL Compound Helicopter, which would be the world’s first manned hydrogen-powered helicopter. Success will pave the way for collaboration with other eVTOL OEMs with different platform sizes to ensure broad application of this technology,” said John Piasecki, president and CEO of Piasecki, “Initial lab testing funded by Piasecki last winter demonstrated the technical viability of HyPoint’s hydrogen fuel cell system. While we are benchmarking HyPoint’s technology against alternatives and continue to rigorously test and validate findings, we are very optimistic. Our objective is to develop full-scale systems within two years to support on-aircraft certification testing in 2024 and fulfill existing customer orders for up to 325 units starting in 2025.”

Another probable eVTOL to use this technology could be Urban Aeronautics’ CityHawk. HyPoint and Urban Aeronautics reached an agreement to integrate hydrogen fuel cells into the CityHawk on June 2020.
Photograph: Urban Aeronautics

Why it’s important: HyPoint and Piasecki’s partnership aims to bring an energy solution to vertical aircraft other than rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The development of hydrogen-based energy could be lucrative, considering that hydrogen fuel cell systems could outperform current lithium-ion battery technology in range through improving energy density by weight. While many eVTOL platforms will still use on lithium-ion solutions, others may adopt hydrogen-powered configurations where it makes the most sense for their various designs and missions. 

Source // Aviation Today

Overair has recently released new details about their new electric VTOL air taxi, dubbed the Butterfly. Built to withstand rough weather conditions, the 6-seater aircraft will have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 200 mph. In addition, the Butterfly will be all electric and have zero carbon emissions. The key feature of the Butterfly’s design is the propulsion system. With four large propulsors, the Butterfly’s propulsion system has a large disk area, allowing it to use less power in VTOL mode and make it more efficient overall. 

According to Ben Tigner, CEO of Overair, “Our fundamental technology advantage, the propulsion, that we bring to the party here is inherently more efficient. We get more thrust for less power, that’s why we’re able to go battery only, not needing the hybrid solution. So we have larger rotors, larger propulsors than most other people in the industry so we can generate the thrust unit for flight, using less kilowatts and less kilowatt-hours.” 

Overair’s Butterfly.
Photograph: Overair

The aircraft’s design also factors in noise emissions reductions, according to Tigner. The large disk area allows for minimal pressure disturbances from the system, which generates less noise during flight compared to other similar sized aircraft. 

“It’s also going to be very very quiet,” said Tigner, “We anticipated that will be the quietest eVTOL vehicle in the field, and that is based on the fact that it has the largest rotors in the field and we’re able to spin the rotors very slowly. Not only is the amount of sound, the intensity of the sounds generated by the propulsion system very low, but also the character of the sound is such that the frequency projected is at a place where the human ear is very insensitive. So it really should be an extraordinarily quiet aircraft, quieter than anything else that’s out there in the industry right now.” 

Overair’s Butterfly.
Photograph: Overair

The Butterfly will officially debut as a piloted eVTOL air taxi, capable of flying 5 passengers or a cargo payload of 1,100 lb. However, Overair has plans to implement automated flight in the future. For this purpose, the Butterfly will start out equipped with a full authority fly-by-wire system that provides an avenue for future automated flight. According to Tigner, “We’ve adopted an approach that really bites down on the notion of simplified vehicle operation where we’ve sort of adopted the view that you should have an interface…is a smooth transition between hover control and or flight control in a mode, similar to what you see on the F-35, you know, the unified command approach that defines how the sticks translate from hover controlling to into forward flight control. The fly by wire system, by virtue of the fact that it is full authority, has the ability to implement important envelope protections that prevent the vast majority of human error type accidents.” 

The company expects the prototype model of the Butterfly to first take flight next year, and to receive FAA certification sometime in 2025. As of now, Overair anticipates that their main areas of commercial operation will be in the United States and South Korea.

Photograph: Overair

Why it’s important: Through the Butterfly’s all-electric energy source, efficient propulsion system, and minimal noise emissions, Overair looks to provide the public with a design that addresses some of the biggest concerns in the aerial mobility industry. While in the early stages of development compared to other competitors, Overair’s Butterfly could quickly become a strong contender in the aerial mobility industry within the next decade.

Source // Aviation Today

PteroDynamics is currently developing an eVTOL aircraft design based on a very unique concept. Called the Transwing eVTOL, PteroDynamics’ aircraft incorporates a patented folding wing design, where propellers on propulsion pods are distributed down a set of wings that can fold back on dihedral pivot points along the wing. The folding mechanism is controlled by control rods attached to actuators on the main body, and when the wings are completely folded, the props point upward, in a similar configuration to a basic multicopter design. Compared to a tilt-rotor design, where the cabin must “tilt” in order to travel horizontally, the Transwing design is described as “aerodynamically benign”, meaning that there is no loss of control at any stage of the wing’s transition from folded to extended. 

The 6 ft. wingspan prototype model of PteroDynamics’ aircraft. Photograph: PteroDynamics

This design potentially allows for both the compact size of a standard tilt-rotor eVTOL, but the efficiency and control from a fixed wing aircraft with a broad wingspan, meaning the Transwing could have all the advantages of most standard compact eVTOL designs as well as the larger, fixed-wing designs with few to none of the drawbacks from either. According to PteroDynamics, “Transwing aircraft have much greater range, endurance, and cargo carrying efficiency as compared to all other VTOL designs.” And “given any aircraft footprint size and payload requirements, Transwing aircraft will fly several times as far as any VTOL competitor.”

A depiction of how the aircraft transitions between folded and extended wings. Photograph: PteroDynamics

So far, PteroDynamics has developed and tested prototype Transwings with 4.2-ft, 6.6-ft and 12.3-ft (1.3, 2 and 3.5-m) wingspans. As the Transwing is still in development, it remains unclear as to how well the pivot points on the wings can be refined, which will be critical for the success of the aircraft. As for the company’s plans, so far PteroDynamics plans to offer licenses for its patented technology as well as manufacturing and flight services as well, where the Transwing would be used for small-scale cargo transportation, military applications, as well as passenger transportation. According to a statement to FutureFlight, PteroDynamics will soon be establishing a 9,200 sq. ft. engineering facility in Colorado for the purpose of furthering R&D operations, and could soon sign off on a deal that would have the Transwing paired with an experimental license within 12 months. 

Why it’s important: PteroDynamics’ Transwing is an ambitious design that seeks to take advantage of the efficiency and stability of a fixed-wing design while negating the disadvantages, mainly the overall size from the wingspan and maneuverability. Such a design will have its own drawbacks in both development and lifespan, where PteroDynamics ambitious goals will require a more complex design than many of their competitors, increasing the difficulty in both development and maintenance. However, a successful implementation could lead PteroDynamics to overtake their competitors as well as the industry as a whole.

Source // New Atlas

Jetpack Aviation’s prototype model of the Speeder, a jet turbine powered flying motorcycle, has successfully completed its first flight test. The flight test consisted of a hover test over tarmac while attached to a tether. Following the success of this flight test, which confirmed the Speeder’s base capabilities, Jetpack Aviation expects to follow up with more intensive flight tests by the end of this summer. 

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The Speeder is a flying VTOL motorcycle that Jetpack Aviation eventually intends to be able to reach top speeds of over 300 mph (480 kph). Similar to a drone, the Speeder will be electronically self-stabilized, running on a new form of flight control software that has been developed in-house for the last 18 months. According to the California-based company, “the Speeder will be the smallest, fastest, optionally piloted VTOL in the world, enabling multiple applications across emergency, cargo, military, and civil sectors.” The piloting itself is intended to be as simple as possible. Fully stabilized, the Speeder uses a tilt-to-accelerate flight system with hand controls, a two-way radio, and 12-inch touchscreen for navigation. If a pilot plans to fly at the maximum altitude of 15,000 ft, they will need to provide their own supplemental oxygen source.

Jetpack Aviation’s concept rendition of the Speeder

While not officially decided yet, Jetpack Aviation expects to offer the speeder to commercial, private, and government sectors, and will look to incorporate various designs for each. The Speeder design for personal flight would most likely be an eight engine single-seater, while a military version could be autonomous with a buffed weight limit. In addition, the recreational version looks to have two types available for the consumer based on their personal needs; the Ultralight Version (UVS) and the Experimental Version (EVS). The differences between the two mainly lie in restrictions and requirements: The UVS will be limited to a 5 gallon fuel capacity and 60 mph max speed, but does not require a full pilot’s license like the EVS. Both versions will still require training to fly the motorcycle, and the EVS will also require the purchaser to be part of the manufacturing process in order to comply with FAA regulations on experimental aircraft production. Currently one unit is estimated to cost around $380,000, but is subject to change after the Speeder undergoes further testing and development. 

Why it’s important: The success of the Speeder’s first flight test is momentous for Jetpack Aviation. The hover test confirmed the fundamental modes of operation for the Speeder, meaning that the company can now proceed with refining and further developing the Speeder’s maximum capabilities. 

Source // New Atlas.

Beta Technologies successfully accomplished a 205 mile test flight with their Alia eVTOL aircraft, marking its longest flight so far. The Alia was operating in CTOL, aka conventional takeoff and landing mode, using only three out of five battery packs. During the 2 hour flight, the Alia reached a maximum speed of 122 mph, about 70% of Beta’s target cruising commercial speed of 170 mph. The Alia reached a maximum altitude of 3,000 ft, although on previous flights it reached up to 8,000 ft. 

Beta Technologies’ Alia
Photograph: Eric Adams

The Alia has not yet undergone extensive VTOL flight, which Beta Technologies indicates will be the most energy consuming feature of the aircraft. With continued success in CTOL mode, Beta Technologies will most likely soon move on to testing in VTOL mode as well. The Vermont-based aerospace company still plans to deliver to contracted partners by the end of 2024, including UPS and Blade Urban Air Mobility. UPS has put in an order for 10 Alias with an option for 150 units in order to service its time-sensitive package deliveries currently done by small aircraft. Blade meanwhile will be using 20 Alias in their fleet as part of their passenger transportation service. 

BETA’s ALIA aircraft will be capable of flying 250 nautical miles on a single charge and carrying six people or a pilot with 1,500 pounds of cargo. It includes a novel combination of elements that create a uniquely smooth and quiet flying experience. In addition to being more than ten times quieter than a helicopter and much quieter than cars on a highway, ALIA produces absolutely zero operational emissions. The company philosophy is to reduce risk in certifying its first commercial aircraft through simplicty of design.

Beta Technologies’ Alia
Photograph: Eric Adams

Why it’s important: This success is a positive step forward for Beta Technologies, which has previously stated that the target range for the Alia was 250 nautical miles, or around 285 miles total. Although test flights for the Alia have mostly been conducted in CTOL mode so far, this flight as well as the FAA’s approval (for flights beyond Beta’s primary test facility) indicates excellent results from Beta Technologies’ hard work in the development and certification process, and a promising future for the aircraft in commercial operation. 

Related:

• BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s
• UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024
• Beta Technologies is Approved for Air Force Manned Flight Tests
• Beta Raises $368 Million in Funding Round Led by Amazon, Fidelity

Source // FlightAware, Beta Technologies

Qarbon Aerospace has agreed with LIFT Aircraft to perform the system integration and assembly of LIFT’s HEXA eVTOL flying car at Qarbon’s Red Oak Facility. Additionally, Qarbon will secure supply chain sourcing as well for the HEXA, making the company the end-to-end manufacturer for LIFT’s flying car. 

According to Qarbon’s CEO Pete Wick, “This integration and assembly work expands upon the strong existing relationship between Qarbon Aerospace and the LIFT Aircraft team. We’re very proud that LIFT has placed their confidence in us to support them as the manufacturer of choice for their first-to-market eVTOL aircraft.”

Based in Red Oak, the company was formed just last month in May 2021 as a result of the acquisition of Qarbon Aerospace (formerly known as Triumph Group, Inc.) by equity firm Arlington Capital Partners. With three facilities — Red Oak, Milledgeville, GA and Rayong, Thailand — Qarbon now operates nearly 2 million square feet of factory space, where large, complex structural components are manufactured, such as fuselages, wings, flight control surfaces, and engine nacelles. 

LIFT CEO Matt Chasen pilots the HEXA over Camp Mabry, Texas as part of a visit for the USAF’s Agility Prime Initiative. Photograph: Sean Kornegay

Qarbon now is in charge of the manufacturing of the HEXA, a 18-propeller, 1-seater eVTOL aircraft. Designed for both recreational and military use, the HEXA provides services such as recreational trips over San Francisco Bay or air ambulance duties through the United States Air Force. The recreational flight services are available to anyone, and will cost $249 (currently $199 for early bird flight reservations) for a 15 minute flight with no pilot’s license required. Before flight, the customer will be required to undergo a 1 hour flight lesson, which covers safety training, flight controls instruction in a VR simulator, preflight checks, and a flight briefing from a “remote safety pilot.”  The HEXA also is currently part of the United States Air Force’s Agility Prime Initiative, and is in development for air ambulance and cargo retrieval services. 

Visit LIFT’s website here.

Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Q. Brown, Jr., is shown seated in the HEXA aircraft. Photograph: Sean Kornegay

Why it’s important: With the manufacturer for the HEXA now selected, LIFT is one step closer to introducing a reinvention to how consumers and USAF approach transportation and logistics by providing easily accessible eVTOL flights nationwide. The first round of HEXAs are now slated for assembly at the Red Oak Facility, meaning that LIFT’s vision of making flying accessible to anyone could soon become a reality. 

Source // Dallas Innovates

California-based Archer Aviation has debuted its inaugural eVTOL air taxi, the Maker. The Maker is set to begin production in 2022, where United Airlines will be one of their first commercial customers. Revealed at a global livestream from Los Angeles, the Maker serves as Archer’s demonstrator prototype aircraft and will serve as the final testbed before commercial production begins. 

The Maker is a two-seater autonomous fixed-wing eVTOL aircraft that can reach speeds of up to 150 mph, powered by 12 total rotors — 6 larger tilt rotors for lift on takeoff and thrust in forward flight, and 6 smaller rotors that are only used during VTOL flight, all attached to struts along the aircraft’s 40-foot wingspan. According to Archer, the Maker’s full-electric motors mean that the aircraft is 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter. In addition, the aircraft weighs in at 3300 lbs, powered by 6 independant battery packs totaling 75 kWh. With a range of 60 cruising miles, the Maker is expected to serve as an air taxi that provides shuttle service between airports such as Manhattan and JFK in just 10-20 minutes. 

Photograph: Archer Aviation

“Maker’s unveil has been years in the making and marks a pivotal juncture for the eVTOL industry and future of transportation,” said Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer. “Every day at Archer, we’re working to build the future, and we have never felt closer than we did introducing the world to Maker.”

According to Archer, the Maker’s distributed electric propulsion system provides additional degrees of safety through redundancy, able to suffer one complete battery failure or two rotor failures and still be able to land. The aircraft also only uses 30% of its battery capacity per trip and can rapidly recharge between trips in 10 minutes. At peak efficiency, Archer estimates that each Maker will be able to complete up to 40 flights per day. While full autonomy is still in the works, Archer plans to install both a full-scale autonomous control system connected to a 13-inch touchscreen display as well as the option for a manual control system in the final version of the aircraft, which will also have space for a pilot and 4 passengers. 

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The first set of flight tests are expected to be completed sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, with manufacturing of the final aircraft to commence in 2022. United Airlines will be one of the first customers, with plans to buy up to  $1 billion worth of the upcoming eVTOLs as a way to diminish its carbon footprint.

“Archer has a big, bold company vision and our approach to this milestone moment had to match that,” said Louise Bristow, who leads Marketing and Communications for Archer and assembled the creative team. “We wanted to deliver an experience that went beyond the conventions of normal product launches and to bring together a unique group of partners to create something truly immersive for our audience.”

Photograph: Archer Aviation

Why it’s important: Archer adds on to their increasing momentum with the reveal of the Maker. With their recent merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corporation as well as United Airlines’ large-scale order, Archer Aviation is in an excellent financial standing in preparation for their expected commercial launch in 2024. 

Source // GlobalNewswire

Blade Urban Mobility Inc. and magniX have partnered to integrate magniX’s Electric Propulsion Units into Lima’s Blade-branded fleet of Cessna Caravans, an amphibious aircraft used by Blade in their aerial mobility routes. The integration is expected to be finished by early 2023, where each all-electric Caravan will operate in zero-emissions while maintaining the current performance standards for the Caravan, and outputting significantly less noise footprints with lowered operating costs.

As part of the partnership, Lima will be the exclusive owner of the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Caravan’s conversion from the turbine engine to the magniX EPU in the northeastern part of the United States. Currently, Blade is the exclusive platform for Lima flights for public use in the United States, where key routes include trips between the Blade Aqua Lounge at the East 23rd Street seaplane base in New York City, the eastern end of Long Island, and the Blade Terminal in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The Cessna Caravan, provided by Lima and Blade. Photograph: magniX

According to Blade president Melssia Tomkiel, “Amphibious seaplane service has always been an essential part of our urban air mobility strategy, given the aircraft’s unique ability to access city centers through conveniently located waterways, such as Manhattan’s East River, as well as traditional airports. The electrification of our accessible fleet of Blade-branded aircraft, made possible through our alliance with magniX and Lima, one of our key operating partners, will further accelerate our transition to quiet, emission-free flight, allowing us to reduce the environmental and sound impact in and around the communities where we fly.”

Another aircraft that will soon be added to Blade’s fleet: The BETA Technologies ALIA. Photograph: Blade

Additionally, according to magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski, “Partnering with Blade and Lima to bring electric aviation to one of the largest cities, and highly populated regions in the United States, is an incredible proof point to the value of offering communities zero emissions, reduced noise, and lower operating costs. With electric propulsion as our cornerstone, magniX continues to build toward the new electric age of aviation.”

This partnership is subject to the FAA”s approval of the STC as well as both parties entering into further agreements, but is expected to pass with no issues.

Photograph: Blade

Why it’s important: This recent partnership between Blade and Lima is one of many exciting announcements from BLADE, which also recently signed with Beta Technologies to acquire up to 20 of BETA’s ALIA eVTOL aircraft. Through Blade’s agreement with magniX, one of the largest current aerial mobility providers continues to move in the direction of electrification for their fleet.
Source // Business Wire