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Archer Aviation has just closed a series of investments from Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines totally $215M in new equity investments.

This accompanies a finalized settlement between Archer and Boeing-owned Wisk to resolve the federal and state court litigation between the parties on undisclosed terms.

Simultaneously, the parties have entered into a collaboration that looks forward to the growth and development of the AAM industry. Archer has agreed to make Wisk its exclusive provider of autonomy technology for future variants of Archer’s aircraft.

As part of the parties’ collaboration, Boeing’s investment in Archer will support the integration of Wisk’s autonomous technology in future variants of Archer’s aircraft.

Additionally, Archer announced that it is on track to complete what it believes will be the first ever eVTOL aircraft delivery to a customer as part of its recently announced contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). These announcements come on the heels of the FAA Administrator leaving to join Archer and the DoD awarding Archer the largest total contract value of any eVTOL company.

“Over the last quarter, we’ve seen the U.S. government make an unwavering commitment that America will lead the way in commercializing eVTOL aircraft, the FAA validated the timeline for eVTOL aircraft to begin operations in the U.S. in 2025, and leaders in the mobility industry, Stellantis, United Airlines and Boeing, have come together to invest in Archer’s future,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The pace at which our industry is advancing is unprecedented. Our team’s hard work and dedication have brought us to this exciting moment, and we can’t wait to see Midnight soar,” added Goldstein.

In the announcement, Adam Goldstein, unveiled Archer has also received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA to begin flight test operations, which the firm plans to begin in the coming weeks.

Why it matters: The latest investments in Archer increase the company’s total funding to date to over $1.1 billion, bolstering Archer’s path to FAA certification and commercial operations in 2025. Alongside the contracts with the DoD and Archer receiving the green light for flight testing, expect more developments from the firm as they push for entry to service in 2025.

LaunchPoint announced earlier this week the inauguration of its new, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Goleta, California. LaunchPoint is an aerospace electric power generation company that aims to apply their technologies to an array of advanced electric aerospace applications.

Nestled amidst Goleta’s thriving tech and engineering hub, and in close proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara, the expanded corporate headquarters was built to meet the growing demands of LaunchPoint’s expanding customer base. The new HQ is outfitted with cutting-edge engineering, manufacturing, and testing spaces, and the facility serves as an incubator for both the defense and commercial sectors.

In harmony with LaunchPoint’s customer-centric philosophy, advanced manufacturing units have been integrated to facilitate swift order fulfillment while maintaining product quality.

Rob Reali, CEO of LaunchPoint, reflected on the company’s remarkable journey, “Our evolution from humble beginnings to our current stature as a pivotal player in the aerospace domain has been an incredible voyage. This expansion underscores our ceaseless commitment to delivering top-tier aerospace solutions, bolstered by enhanced testing and manufacturing capabilities. We take immense pride in our achievements, from fostering local job opportunities to securing substantial contracts with tier one customers. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team.”

The growth trajectory of LaunchPoint has been considerable with their workforce more than tripling since its spin-off from LaunchPoint Technologies in 2020. The new headquarters accommodates the existing talent pool and also lays the foundation for further workforce expansion.

With a keen eye on the horizon, LaunchPoint is actively seeking to onboard a significant number of technical and manufacturing professionals, coinciding with the escalating demand of both government and commercial programs that are set to soar in 2024.

Why it’s important: LaunchPoint’s technology stands to benefit the aerospace industry, including aerial mobility and manned aircraft solutions. Their increased headquarters’ footprint should allow the company to better serve customers and continue their work in the research and development space.

LaunchPoint is hiring – learn more at https://launchpointeps.com/careers/.

ZeroAvia has announced a pivotal partnership with Surcar Airlines, a newly established airline with a vision to revolutionize flights in the Canary Islands. The collaboration seeks to introduce environmentally friendly air travel to the region through the deployment of ZeroAvia’s cutting-edge ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines.

Surcar Airlines, backed by investors including Nordic Seaplanes, plans to reshape the aviation landscape in the Canary Islands by retrofitting Twin Otter seaplanes with the ZA600 powertrain. These seaplanes, traditionally reliant on conventional fuel sources, will undergo a transformation that aligns with Surcar Airlines’ mission to pave the way for zero-emission aviation experiences. The Canary Islands’ captivating vistas will serve as the backdrop for a new era of green sightseeing flights, demonstrating the feasibility and allure of sustainable air travel.

ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engine is set to gain certification for 9-19 seat aircraft within the next two to three years. The strategic collaboration between ZeroAvia and De Havilland of Canada, holder of the Twin Otter’s type certificate, solidifies the trajectory towards a hydrogen-electric future for these aircraft.

As the European Union strives for a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Spain aims for carbon-neutral transportation by 2050, Surcar Airlines’ pioneering efforts are emblematic of a wider commitment to address climate change. Public sentiment echoes this urgency, with a majority of Europeans expressing intentions to limit air travel due to environmental concerns.

James Peck, Chief Customer Officer of ZeroAvia, envisions the Canary Islands as an ideal testing ground for early zero-emission flights. The archipelago’s inter-island routes provide the perfect canvas for replacing conventional engines with hydrogen-electric alternatives, aligning the region with sustainable travel trends.

Gerardo Morales-Hierro, Founder & CEO of Surcar Airlines, underscores the company’s dual commitment to preserving the Canary Islands’ natural beauty and reducing the impact of climate change. By embracing ZeroAvia’s groundbreaking technology, Surcar Airlines aims to deliver cleaner flights while fostering positive impacts on both the local community and the environment.

Recently, ZeroAvia also successfully completed testing of the ZA600 prototype aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft, which marks a significant milestone on the path to emission-free aviation. Hydrogen-electric engines, utilizing fuel cells to generate electricity, not only propel the aircraft but also emit only water – an innovative development for the aviation industry that had been gaining traction and popularity.

Why it’s important: With its ambitious targets of a 300-mile range in 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025 and a 700-mile range in 40-80 seat aircraft by 2027, ZeroAvia remains steadfast in its mission to drive aviation towards a sustainable future. Backed by key partnerships, FAA and CAA certificates, and pre-orders from global airlines, ZeroAvia is poised to usher in a new era of cleaner, greener flight operations, with commercial operations on the horizon by 2025. Together with Surcar Airlines, the partnership signals a transformative step forward for aviation and environmental stewardship in the Canary Islands.

The Commercial UAV Expo 2023 is introducing an Advanced Airspace Summit this year. Taking place on September 6, 2023, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, this summit aims to create a pathway between crewed and uncrewed aviation, fostering trust and collaboration within the airspace community.

Jeremiah Karpowicz, Group Editorial Director at Diversified Communications, underlined the importance of building trust across the aviation spectrum, stating, “Commercial UAV Expo is working to bridge that gap and create trust within the entirety of the airspace community, including the general public.”

The Advanced Airspace Summit includes two panel sessions that will focused on two questions shaping aerial mobility’s future:

Part I: Cultivating Public Trust – The summit starts by exploring public readiness for the future airspace, leading into discussions on building trust through airspace deconfliction and the influence of current drone corridors on the future airspace landscape.

Part II: Establishing Regulatory and Operational Frameworks – Regulation takes center stage, with experts discussing working within existing FAA frameworks to advance UAM & UAS operations. A panel also examines the role of people, processes, and policies in drone, cargo, and air taxi operations.

The Advanced Airspace Summit holds importance as a platform for stakeholders to collaboratively shape a secure aviation future. Toni Drummond, President US of Titan Aviation Global, succinctly emphasized, “The next revolution of sustainable aviation will depend on all stakeholders working together to develop solutions that will carry us directly into the future.”

Why it’s important: With the countdown to the Commercial UAV Expo 2023 underway, the industry eagerly anticipates the practical insights, strategies, and collaborations that will help advance aerial mobility and aviation. The Advanced Airspace Summit will help to facilitate those discussions and move the industry forward.

London-based Skyports Drone Services has introduced Speedbird Aero as its latest aircraft partner for the Orkney I-Port operation. The partnership between these two industry-leading companies promises to improve drone delivery and logistics projects globally, starting with the Orkney I-Port initiative in partnership with Royal Mail, Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority, and Loganair.

Speedbird Aero, a Brazilian drone manufacturer, will contribute its advanced DLV-2 aircraft to Skyports’ drone fleet. The DLV-2 boasts a payload capacity of 6kg and a range of up to 16km, making it an ideal vehicle for the Orkney I-Port project. This innovative electric multirotor drone will be deployed for three months of inter-island delivery flights, facilitating Royal Mail’s mission to provide seamless service to the residents of Orkney.

The decision to select the DLV-2 was influenced by its payload volume, which suits the transportation of cargo such as Royal Mail parcels. The drone’s ability to operate safely in challenging weather conditions surpassing the upper limits of the Orkney inter-island ferry provides a crucial advantage in ensuring uninterrupted delivery services.

Orkney’s unique geography and weather patterns often disrupt traditional delivery services, leading to delays in ferry schedules and hindered mail transportation. By leveraging drones like the DLV-2, Skyports and its partners aim to overcome these challenges, offering faster and more efficient deliveries to remote communities.

Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Speedbird Aero, emphasizing the importance of working with manufacturers that prioritize quality, safety, and innovation. The Orkney I-Port project, with its esteemed partners and community-focused objectives, serves as an excellent starting point for the partnership’s promising future.

The Orkney I-Port flights, conducted within existing regulatory frameworks using extended visual line of sight (EVLOS), pave the way for potential extensions beyond the initial three-month period. Furthermore, the DLV-2 will be deployed in logistics and delivery projects across Skyports Drone Services’ diverse markets, further expanding its influence in the drone industry.

Why it’s important: The collaboration between Skyports Drone Services and Speedbird Aero represents a step forward in the advancement of drone logistics, particularly in remote and challenging regions like Orkney. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation, this partnership will hopefully also inform future aerial mobility applications of EVLOS and BVLOS operations; notably, the higher payload capability of drones being used for these types of operation will continue to grow as airspace integration for larger and larger unmanned aerial systems becomes more commonplace.

Last week at EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, WI, light eVTOL aircraft developer Opener unveiled its Early Access Program (EAP), a crucial step towards market readiness and successful commercialization of the BlackFly. The EAP not only allows early BlackFly owners to embark on adventures but also gathers valuable feedback from participants to enhance the overall customer experience.

CEO Ken Karklin expressed excitement about the EAP, stating, “Opener’s EAP establishes a two-way communication channel to address customer concerns, refine features, and optimize the user experience. Our partnership with early adopters moves us closer to fulfilling the promise of personal aerial freedom.”

Tim Lum, Opener’s first EAP partner and BlackFly owner, shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the exceptional support provided by Opener, “The connection with my BlackFly goes well beyond the aircraft itself. The level of hands-on service is off the charts.”

BlackFly complies with FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) category, and therefore enables consumer recreation and short-hop travel in Class G airspace without requiring a pilot certificate.

Opener’s pioneering tilt-aircraft design has led to the development of additional light eVTOL systems for public service and military applications, including uncrewed and optionally-crewed operations. Comprehensive flight training is mandatory for all BlackFly pilots to ensure safe operations.

Interested individuals can learn more about Opener’s EAP and register at https://opener.aero/early-access-program. Limited opportunities are available.

Opener’s mission to create efficient, compact eVTOL aircraft positions them at the forefront of the industry, as the company seeks to transform personal aerial freedom for consumers and public services. More information and videos can be found at https://opener.aero.

Why It’s Important: Opener’s Early Access Program (EAP) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of personal aerial transportation. By engaging with early adopters and gathering valuable feedback, Opener can fine-tune its BlackFly aircraft and other eVTOL systems, ensuring safer, more efficient, and user-friendly experiences as they move closer to general release. This program sets a precedent for the seamless integration of eVTOL aircraft into various sectors, including consumer recreation, public service, and military applications.

SkyDrive announced its collaboration with Avidyne Corporation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 airshow last week. SkyDrive has selected Avidyne’s Quantum Open Avionics Platform to equip its SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft, bringing advanced technology and safety to their vision of future urban transportation.

SkyDrive aims to make urban air mobility accessible to everyone, envisioning a future in which eVTOL becomes a part of daily transportation. Its eVTOL is designed for intra-city flights with one pilot and two passengers, and requires state-of-the-art avionics systems to fulfill its mission efficiently and safely.

Avidyne, an established avionics manufacturer founded in 1994, has a long-standing commitment to advancing avionics technology to enhance safety and utility for aircraft. With decades of experience, Avidyne has established itself as a market leader in providing user-friendly integrated avionics solutions for a wide range of aircraft.

SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer, Arnaud Coville, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to have Avidyne as our avionics partner for our eVTOL aircraft, the SKYDRIVE. Avidyne’s Quantum avionics system is very competitive in performance, weight, and cost and will play one of the most important roles in the aircraft system of eVTOL.”

Avidyne’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan Schwinn, also expressed excitement about the collaboration and the unique opportunity it presents for their Quantum open avionics platform. He stated, “The avionics requirements and mission profiles of the all-electric SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft are a unique opportunity for Quantum’s open avionics platform, and we are honored to have been selected to create a customized avionics solution for this innovative new aircraft.”

Why it’s important: The collaboration between SkyDrive and Avidyne to equip their aircraft with Avidyne’s Quantum Avionics is important as eVTOL technology gains momentum as a viable mode of transportation. Avidyne’s proven expertise in avionics technology ensures that the SKYDRIVE eVTOL will be equipped with cutting-edge systems, enhancing its overall performance, reliability, and safety.

Wisk has successfully flown its fifth-generation eVTOL, Cora at this week’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. The event marks the companies first pubic autonomous demonstration of its anticipated eVTOL air taxi.

The flight, which included two runway passes and a vertical to wingborne flight maneuver, lasted 4 minutes and carried no passengers. “The final portion of the flight it came back to center stage, did a 270-deg. pedal turn, hovered there for a minute, did a little hat tip—dipped its nose to the crowd,” said Jay Pankowski, Wisk manager of operations support, who served as flight announcer. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome.”

Headquartered just outside of San Jose, California, Wisk has been steadily progressing through its flight test campagin ahead of FAA certification.

“The context of [the demonstration] was being the first performer after the parachuters and the National Anthem opening what is a pretty complex airshow, with a lot of fast-moving airplanes,” said Wisk Aero CEO Brian Yutko, speaking with Aviation Week. “Fitting into that environment and doing it in a non-disruptive way was a key focus for us and the team totally knocked it out of the park.”

Wisk will get plenty of facetime this week as it will perform public demonstration flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flights are manned by a six person crew, 3 remote pilot/engineers, a crew chief and assistant, and a visual observer, which the FAA requires while Wisk is unable to remotely sense and avoid other traffic.

“What we’ve said so far is we intend to certify it and get into commercial operations this decade,” Yutko said. “It’s our job to put forward what we think is a safe system; it’s the FAA’s job to independently check it and validate it. Given how novel this all is, we don’t want to improperly apply pressure to our teams or to the other teams to meet a date. But we have internal timelines and we think that we can get the job done and start commercial service this decade.”

Why it matters: eVTOL has been increasingly highlighted at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh since the Covid pandemic. With designs reaching flight test maturity, the public gets to now see eVTOL’s first hand and it can be expected that fully autonomous operation and FAA certification is in the not too distant future.

Ampaire Inc., a pioneer in hybrid electric aircraft systems, has recently announced the acquisition of Talyn Air Inc.’s assets. Talyn Air, known for its innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft systems, will now join forces with Ampaire to drive further profitable growth and explore attractive opportunities in adjacent defense, drone, and eVTOL markets.

This strategic acquisition will not only expand Ampaire’s intellectual property and contracts portfolio with eight additional patents and seven government contracts with sole-source follow-on rights, but also multiply the applications for its groundbreaking hybrid electric propulsion systems. These systems have already been flown over 18,000 miles – the highest hybrid electric flight time in the industry – integrated into general aviation and regional turboprop commercial aircraft.

Kevin Noertker, CEO of Ampaire, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that the integration of Talyn’s technology into Ampaire’s strong technical foundation would immediately boost revenue growth. Furthermore, this collaboration would enable the company to extend its reach into the lucrative drone and eVTOL sectors for both commercial and defense applications.

Talyn Air, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Los Angeles, has made significant strides in the aviation industry, showcasing advanced aircraft technologies in flight and establishing vital relationships with commercial and government customers. The company has also secured crucial contracts with various Department of Defense entities, including innovative projects with NAVAIR Aircraft Division, the USAF 621st Contingency Response Wing, and participation in the AFWERX TACFI design / build / fly program under Agility Prime.

Jamie Gull, CEO of Talyn, expressed excitement about the partnership with Ampaire, affirming that their collective vision for advancing aviation and promoting a greener future would be realized through this collaboration. By leveraging Ampaire’s industry-leading solutions, Talyn’s innovative technology will offer capabilities to the aviation sector greater than the sum of their parts.

Ampaire, established in 2016 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is driven by a mission to become the world’s most trusted developer of practical and compelling electric aircraft. Their hybrid electric and electric propulsion technologies have found applications across various aircraft types. The company has achieved numerous industry firsts, including the longest flight for a hybrid electric aircraft and the maiden flight of the world’s largest hybrid electric plane, the hybrid electric Eco Caravan aircraft, in 2022.

Why it’s important: This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Ampaire’s journey to become an industry leader in electrified aviation. With an expanded portfolio of cutting-edge technology and programs, Ampaire is poised to offer customers the most experienced hybrid electric propulsion capabilities, catering to drones, fixed-wing aircraft, and eVTOL aircraft alike.

Related:

• Ampaire releases Hybrid Electric Propulsion Whitepaper
• Ampaire Receives Order for 6 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from Conecta, Subsidary of Azul Airlines

In a significant move towards transforming urban mobility in Vietnam, SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, and CT UAV JSC, a subsidiary of CT Group in Vietnam, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and agreed on a pre-order of up to 100 SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft.

The SKYDRIVE is a three-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, designed to address the mounting traffic congestion in Vietnam’s bustling cities. With Vietnam facing the challenges of increasing traffic congestion on a daily basis, the partnership between SkyDrive and CT UAV presents a promising solution to improve transportation efficiency and reduce urban congestion.

SkyDrive’s eVTOL is currently in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification, indicating its dedication to meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards for air travel. The innovative aircraft is operated by a driver-pilot, supported by a computer-controlled flight system, ensuring flight stability and safety.

The collaboration between SkyDrive and CT UAV marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced mobility solutions in Vietnam. CT UAV, backed by CT Group, operates in nine business lines and is focused on six high-tech industries, including UAV technology. With the mission to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with UAV technology, CT UAV is poised to bring intelligent solutions to tackle modern-day challenges and enhance the quality of life.

Previously, SkyDrive secured an MOU with Pacific Group Co Ltd in Vietnam, resulting in a pre-order of up to 100 eVTOL aircraft in November 2022. With the recent pre-order from CT UAV, the total pre-orders for SkyDrive’s eVTOL in Vietnam have increased to 200 units, underlining the high demand and potential of this innovative urban mobility solution in the country.

The partnership between SkyDrive and CT UAV will involve comprehensive evaluations of commercial eVTOL considerations, including vertiports, routes, infrastructure requirements, and ecosystem planning. This thorough assessment will pave the way for the successful integration of eVTOL aircraft into Vietnam’s urban transportation network.

Mr. Tran Kim Chung, President of CT Group, expressed the company’s commitment to contribute to Vietnam’s development on the global market through leveraging their expertise in infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies like drones and AI.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc., expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with CT Group, a leading UAV company in Vietnam with a significant share in the urban development market. He emphasized the potential of eVTOL aircraft to alleviate traffic congestion and contribute to further social development in Vietnam.

Why it’s important: The partnership between SkyDrive and CT UAV holds immense promise for Vietnam’s future, as it offers a sustainable, efficient, and futuristic solution to the growing transportation challenges in the country, enabling citizens to soar above the traffic and embrace a smarter and more advanced mobility experience.

Eve and Embraer have announced this week that their first eVTOL production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Subject to the final authorities’ approval, the manufacturing plant will be situated on a designated portion of land within Embraer’s existing unit in the city that will be expanded.

The site benefits from a strategic logistical location, offering easy access via two highways and close proximity to a railroad. Another significant advantage is the region’s proximity to Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos and Eve’s engineering and human resources team, which will facilitate the development and sustainability of new production processes, enhancing Eve’s agility and competitiveness.

“When we began our search for a manufacturing location to build our eVTOL, we wanted to reimagine how the aircraft could be built using the latest technology and manufacturing processes, coupled with other aspects such as supply chain and logistics,” said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve. “Our objective is to offer safe and reliable products and services to the market and be highly competitive in manufacturing efficiency. The team was tasked with the opportunity to design an optimized assembly line that prioritizes safety, quality, efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.”

“This decision is aligned with our growth strategy plan, which is driven by innovation and sustainability,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO at Embraer. “We believe in the enormous potential of the global Urban Air Mobility market, and we reinforce our commitment to Eve as one of the major players in this industry.”

In May 2022, Eve announced a partnership with Porsche Consulting to define Eve’s eVTOL global manufacturing, supply chain and logistics macro strategy. The two companies have since worked together to research advanced manufacturing and innovation concepts and used their combined aeronautical and automotive expertise to design a concept of industrialization for eVTOL aircraft based on high safety, quality, efficiency and customer focus.

“We are focused on achieving the highest quality standards in eVTOL manufacturing through increased knowledge and consideration of an innovative approach. Following extensive research on advanced manufacturing and innovation concepts for over a year, we are now prepared to establish our initial factory for eVTOL production. With confidence in our capabilities, we are equipped to efficiently scale the production volume sustainably to meet the demands of a growing market,” added Alice Altissimo, Vice President of Program Management and Operation at Eve.

Eve continues to progress in developing its eVTOL. The company also focuses on creating a comprehensive portfolio of agnostic solutions, including a unique Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) software to optimize and scale Urban Air Mobility operations worldwide.

Why it matters: The development of eVTOL manufacturing sites is a significant process running in parallel with the design, testing, and certification of these crafts. With a strategically located facility for both Eve and Embraer, access to the facility for both employees and the necessary suppliers for the construction of the eVTOL should be optimized.

Source: Eve Press Release

Ribbit, a cargo airline startup specializing in autonomous flight technology, has secured a significant contract worth $1.3 million with Transport Canada and Innovative Solutions Canada. The contract will facilitate the testing of self-flying aircraft in remote regions, with the aim of addressing logistical challenges faced by northern communities and businesses. Ribbit has already completed over 200 hours of hands-free flight testing and is poised to advance its operational trials in preparation for commercial service.

Ribbit’s innovative technology presents a promising solution for rural and remote regions that often rely on infrequent flights from larger airplanes. By utilizing smaller autonomous aircraft, Ribbit seeks to revolutionize the economics of air transportation. CEO Carl Pigeon explains that this approach enables the company to offer reliable next-day or two-day service, significantly improving supply chains for businesses and communities in these underserved areas.

Under the terms of the contract, Ribbit will provide Transport Canada with a single autonomous aircraft, along with remote crew and maintenance services, for a period of one year. This collaboration will enable Transport Canada to gather valuable data that will inform future aviation regulations, standards, and policy decisions. Ribbit’s technology will play a vital role in shaping the future of aviation in Canada.

Ribbit’s progress in the autonomous flight sector has garnered significant interest from leading retailers, as indicated by their letters of intent totaling $42 million per year. This level of support showcases the industry’s recognition of the potential benefits and transformative impact of Ribbit’s technology. Ribbit aims to leverage these partnerships to create a future where anyone can ship and receive goods quickly and reliably, regardless of their location.

While Ribbit initially focuses on shipping time-sensitive goods to northern Canada, the company envisions a broader application of its autonomous aircraft technology. COO Jeremy Wang notes that their technology has the potential to revolutionize not only air cargo operations but also asset monitoring and maritime patrol. By understanding customer operations deeply and reimagining them with autonomy, Ribbit aims to redefine transportation possibilities.

Why it’s important: Ribbit, a venture-backed cargo airline startup, has secured a substantial contract with Transport Canada to conduct autonomous flight testing in remote regions. With their commitment to revolutionize supply chains and address logistical challenges, Ribbit’s technology has the potential to transform the way goods are shipped and received in underserved areas. Through collaboration with government, community, and private partners, Ribbit is actively working towards making transportation accessible to all.

VerdeGo Aero and Röder Präzision GmbH announced on June 14th that they have jointly introduced the SR-305-VDG aircraft engine, an engine optimized for hybrid-electric applications. The engine is designed to complement battery energy storage by converting liquid fuels (Jet-A, JP-8, SAF, e-fuels) into electricity, providing additional propulsive power for electric aircraft. This collaboration aims to enhance the performance of electric aircraft and promote more sustainable aviation practices.

The SR-305-VDG engine is the result of two years of testing and engineering development between VerdeGo Aero and Röder Präzision GmbH. Its key features include higher power output, reduced weight, and a smaller system volume, making it an ideal power source for a new generation of high-performance electric aircraft.

VerdeGo Aero’s VH-3 hybrid powerplant, equipped with the SR-305-VDG engine, will be showcased at AirVenture 2023, emphasizing its potential in supporting high-performance electric aircraft for various missions. The engine’s ability to use different types of liquid fuels enables aircraft to achieve higher energy densities, thereby extending their range and mission capabilities.

Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that the partnership has enabled the delivery of a hybrid powerplant that meets the demands of electric aircraft manufacturers looking for more efficient and powerful solutions.

Jörg Erdmann, COO of Röder Präzision GmbH, expressed his excitement about the engine’s potential for hybrid-electric applications and how it could contribute to reducing carbon emissions in aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Why it’s important: The introduction of the SR-305-VDG aircraft engine represents further progress by Verdego toward electrification and democratization of aviation. By offering a more efficient and sustainable power source, this collaboration has the potential to offer additional powerplant choices for aircraft configurators. As reported previously by TransportUP, this represents the company’s approach toward bridging the gap between the most advanced and efficient powerplant offerings of today and in the future.

German eVTOL developer Lilium has revealed the launch of an underwritten public offering of its Class A ordinary shares, alongside a concurrent private placement offering of shares and warrants, led by prominent investors such as Earlybird Venture Capital, BIT Capital, UVC Partners, and Frank Thelen, as well as several Lilium Board members and senior executives.

The private placement, also known as the PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity), is bolstered by the commitment of Aceville Pte. Limited, an affiliate of Tencent Holdings Limited, to provide an additional $75 million in funding. This injection of capital will be used to partially prepay against the total exercise price of the warrants under the existing purchase agreement between Lilium and Aceville, subject to the successful generation of at least $75 million in gross proceeds from the underwritten public offering and concurrent PIPE.

To ensure flexibility, the underwriter of the public offering will have the option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares sold during the 30-day period following the offering, specifically to cover over-allotments. The renowned firm B. Riley Securities has been appointed as the sole bookrunner and underwriter for the offering.

Lilium intends to employ the net proceeds from this comprehensive financing initiative for general corporate purposes. However, the successful completion of the offering remains subject to various market, regulatory, and other conditions, and there is no guarantee as to its actual size or terms.

Simultaneously, the private placement involves a securities purchase agreement between Lilium and esteemed investors. This agreement entails the purchase of shares at a price of $1.30 per share, along with warrants to purchase shares at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. Each warrant will be immediately exercisable for one quarter of a share, with only whole shares issuable upon exercise.

The public offering is expected to conclude on July 18, 2023, with $21 million of the PIPE anticipated to close on the same date and the remaining $21 million expected to close on July 31, 2023. These closings are subject to customary closing conditions. With this significant financing milestone, Lilium fortifies its position in the small group of frontrunners in the rapidly evolving urban air mobility industry, driving toward the realization of its all-electric vertical take-off and landing technology.

Why it’s important: The substantial financing secured by Lilium underscores the growing recognition and support for the potential of urban air mobility, namely from Tencent, one of the highest revenue-generating multimedia companies in the world. With these funds, Lilium can accelerate the development and deployment of its eVTOL jets, paving the way for a transformative transportation solution that offers enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased accessibility in urban environments.

Related:

• Lilium Achieves G-1 Certification Basis From FAA
• Lilium Aircraft will Operate in Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy with New Orders