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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.

Skyports has joined forces with a consortium of industry pioneers to augment Japan’s advanced air mobility (AAM) framework, under the guidance of the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). This collaboration marks a new chapter in the ConOps research, aiming to help shape the future of the AAM landscape in Japan.

The Concept of Operations (ConOps) serves as a goal for organizations considering entering the Japanese AAM arena. The foundational ConOps, unveiled in March, laid the groundwork for commercial eVTOL operations and scaling strategies throughout Japan. The forthcoming research phase is set to refine this document, integrating evolving global AAM trends and regulatory developments, while also incorporating broader stakeholder perspectives.

Skyports Infrastructure, a key player since the project’s launch in 2021, brings a wealth of knowledge in vertiport infrastructure crucial for Japan’s emerging eVTOL transport networks. Insights for the second ConOps iteration, expected in 2024, will draw on experiences from Skyports’ testing campaigns, including their London Heliport endeavors and trials at the Pontoise-Cormeilles Airfield in Paris, recently visited by JCAB officials.

The research outcomes and strategic recommendations in the ConOps are vital for the actualization of eVTOL services. The updated version will detail essential industry workstreams, schedules, and the pressing need for foundational infrastructure, alongside regulatory and procedural advancements.

Atsushi Okada, Japan Country Lead at Skyports Infrastructure, emphasizes the ConOps as a cornerstone for Japan’s AAM sector. He highlights the importance of public-private synergy in realizing this vision and notes the readiness for operational commencement.

Echoing the sentiment, David Rottblatt, Vice President at Eve Air Mobility, lauds the ongoing collaboration, underscoring its crucial role in the integration and regulation of eVTOL traffic management in Japan.

Why it’s important: This initiative stems from the Public-Private Committee for Advanced Air Mobility (PPC), a task force established by Japan’s METI and MLIT in 2018, aiming to amalgamate government and industry forces to navigate the next air mobility frontier. The cooperative alliance should help to streamline and increase the rate of progress for aerial mobility infrastructure developments.

InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer have announced that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the goal of partnering to launch and operate an all-electric air taxi service in India, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals and clearances.

Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe, and Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer, signed an MOU to form a proposed partnership through which the parties aim to provide a revolutionary transportation solution for the country, improving urban mobility with safe, sustainable, and low-noise electric air taxi service that is cost-competitive with ground transportation.

The parties intend to work with select in-country business partners to operate Archer’s aircraft, finance and build vertiport infrastructure, and train pilots and other personnel needed for these operations. The partnership also plans to finance the purchase of up to 200 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft for the India operations.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights. The goal is for a passenger on an InterGlobe-Archer flight to be able to fly the 27-km Delhi trip from Connaught Place to Gurugram, typically taking 60 to 90 minutes by car, in approximately 7 minutes.

In addition to urban air taxi services, the parties plan to pursue a variety of other use cases for the electric aircraft in India, including cargo, logistics, medical and emergency services, as well as private company and charter services.

Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe, said: “Over the last two decades, InterGlobe has been involved in providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation to hundreds of millions of Indians across the country. We are excited at this new opportunity of bringing an effective, futuristic and sustainable transport solution by introducing Archer’s electric aircraft to India.”

“I founded Archer with the vision to help decongest the world’s largest cities. India is one of, if not the largest opportunity for eVTOL aircraft utilization in the world, as it is home to the world’s largest population of over 1.4 billion people and its largest cities face some of the greatest congestion challenges in the world,” commented Archer’s CEO and Founder, Adam Goldstein, “Archer’s all-electric Midnight aircraft is designed to provide a revolutionary transportation solution that can help address these congestion issues.”

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, added: “At Archer, our goal is to make cities greener, smarter, more efficient places to live. We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Rahul and the InterGlobe team to bring our Midnight aircraft to Indian cities and fundamentally transform mobility across the country, with the goal of starting with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.”

Why it matters: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is seeing a drastic rise in commercial development and industry. With growing traffic and urban congestion, aerial mobility is another solution for transportation in the most dense city centers. This MOU will launch Archer into another global market and promises to bring innovative technology to the region.

SkyDrive recently signed a memorandum of understanding with MASC General Incorporated Association and the Setouchi Islands in Japan. The strategic alliance includes a pre-order of the SKYDRIVE SD-05 eVTOL aircraft.

The SkyDrive SD-05 is one of Japan’s leading eVTOL designs, and follows the trends of similar Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) projects with its eco-friendly, efficient, and innovative approach to transportation. The SD-05’s expected integration into the Setouchi Islands’ transport infrastructure is a testament to the potential for eVTOL aircraft to revolutionize how communities engage with their geography, particularly in areas where traditional transportation has been limited by natural landscapes.

MASC’s commitment to aerial tourism using eVTOL technology also aligns mobility technology deployment with regional revitalization efforts, turning the Setouchi Islands into a hub for AAM technology. The new eVTOL Exhibition Hall in Kurashiki-city will serve as an indicator of the importance of industry education and will also underscore the region’s ambition to become a leader in AAM by creating an industrial cluster dedicated to advanced aerial mobility.

The collaboration between SkyDrive and MASC is a joint effort to chart new courses for suburban air travel and to stimulate local economies through sustainable development. With the SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft, the Setouchi Islands could see an enhanced quality of life, increased tourism, and economic diversification.

SkyDrive’s trajectory, from conceptualization to imminent production—slated to begin in Spring 2024 with Suzuki Motor Company—underlines the company’s rapid progress and commitment to AAM. The SD-05 is pending Japan Civil Aviation Bureau certification, a crucial step towards more mobility options in Japan and toward increased global certification bases for aerial mobility.

Why it’s important: This partnership is another example of commitment toward different use cases for aerial mobility aircraft and for a widening of geographical deployment and civil aviation agency certification approaches, which showcase the transformative impact of eVTOL technology within regional transportation networks. SkyDrive’s new partnership with MASC will help tourists see islands more sustainably, but also open the potential for more sustainable flight projects with widening scopes in the future.

Lilium has announced an extension of its partnership with InoBat, focusing on the production of high-performance battery cells for Lilium Jet, the all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

InoBat will manufacture Lilium Jet battery cells at its existing Volta I plant and the upcoming Volta II gigafactory in Voderady, Slovakia. Volta I production is set to commence in early 2024, with Volta II boasting a production capacity of up to 4 gigawatt hours (GWh). This capacity is expected to far exceed Lilium’s battery cell requirements in the foreseeable future. InoBat’s 25 percent ownership by Gotion High-Tech, a major supplier for the Volkswagen Group, will bring additional resources and manufacturing expertise to enhance capacity at the Volta II plant.

Lilium’s participation in InoBat’s Series C investment round solidifies its commitment, ensuring the retention of intellectual property rights in Lilium Jet’s battery technology. Third-party testing campaigns on prototype Lilium battery cells have demonstrated the cutting-edge technology’s energy capacity, power, and cycle life.

Yves Yemsi, COO of Lilium, expressed satisfaction with advancing towards high-volume production of Lilium Jet battery cells, emphasizing the company’s commitment to best practices and a strategy involving multiple cell suppliers. InoBat’s Co-Founder and CEO, Marian Bocek, highlighted the alignment of Lilium’s vision with InoBat’s core strategy in the global electric vehicle market.

Steven Cai, Board Member and CTO at Gotion High-Tech, underscored their aim to contribute to a carbon-neutral world through the partnership with InoBat, anticipating a significant role in delivering high-performance electrical power to Europe’s eVTOL industry.

Related:

• Lilium To Sell eVTOLs with EMCJET in Texas
• Lilium begins eVTOL Jet fuselage assembly with Aciturri

In other recent partnership news, Lilium and Michelin have announced they’ve teamed up to produce custom tires for the Lilium Jet. Michelin tires are said to offer best-in-class weight efficiency, and they are specifically designed to facilitate safe vertical take-off and landing operations. The first tires are expected to be delivered to Lilium facilities this month.

Why it’s important: This continuation aligns with Lilium’s multiple-sourcing strategy for cell production and aims to secure a reliable supply of battery cells for the Lilium Jet’s service entry and subsequent years. Gotion High-Tech is one of the world’s top 10 manufacturers of battery cells, supplying Volkswagen Group with Unified Cell that covers the majority of VW group’s future battery demand. Teaming with a known reliable supplier is instrumental in Lilium’s successful production at scale.

Manufacturer Moya Aero and Fototerra signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire 10 Moya eVTOL for application in digital aerial photogrammetry, hyperspectral digital aero photogrammetry, LiDAR Surveys and Environmental Observation.

Moya Aero was only recently founded in 2020 by Zaramela and Renata Paolillo as a spin-off of Brazil’s leading aeronautical engineering, research, and aircraft development entity, ACS Aviation. However, the company has made quick strides in its technological development via participation in the Techstars Los Angeles Accelerator powered by JP Morgan. Fototerra, also Brazil-based, offers various services and products linked to generating images that allow cartographic surveys, among others.

To perform the intended use, the Moya eVTOL will receive specific equipment for capturing images, demonstrating its versatility in application. “We designed out Moya eVTOL for different missions. We can adapt the vehicle to attend various segments,” said Alexandre Zaramela, CEO of Moya Aero. 

The two companies have in common the search for new technologies. Fototerra is also a Brazilian company that offers various services and products linked to generating images that allow cartographic surveys, among others.

“Since its foundation, Fototerra is always ahead of its time, implementing new technologies. Moya eVTOL is an essential step towards improving our service provision.” The Moya eVTOL is expected to begin operations in 2026.

Earlier in 2023, Moya Aero made multiple announcements of additional purchase orders for its eVTOL. Namely, N2 Infrastructure Technologies signed a LOI to order 4 aircraft and Helisul Aviation signed a LOI for up to 50 aircraft.

Why it’s important: Like many other companies in the eVTOL space, Moya is exploring the potential of these aircraft for various applications, especially in addressing future transportation needs with a focus on environmental sustainability. The success of Moya Aero would have a ripple effect, impacting the technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory aspects of the aerial mobility industry. It could pave the way for a future where aerial transportation is more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

In an era where environmental and sustainability considerations continue to gain importance, a partnership between Universal Hydrogen Co. and JBT AeroTech has adopted a unique approach to elimination emissions and further sustainable aviation technology. This collaboration aims to improve airport ground support equipment’s efficiency with the H2AmpCartTM, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile battery charger, challenging the status quo of typical airport ground support equipment.

The alliance addresses a critical bottleneck in airport operations: the electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE). With over 4,000 commercial airports worldwide, the shift from diesel to electric GSE will aid in reducing greenhouse gases and improving local air quality. However, this transition has been complicated by a large amount of investment in charging infrastructure and the existing power grid’s limitations. With the H2AmpCartTM, these challenges are countered by a solution that offers a swift and economical shift to zero emissions without waiting years for infrastructure overhaul.

Universal Hydrogen, initially focusing on hydrogen aircraft, brings its modular hydrogen delivery system, sidestepping the need for additional on-site infrastructure. This means airports can immediately adopt this technology for a small win, today. Furthermore, Universal Hydrogen’s expertise in integrating hydrogen fuel cells to aviation powertrains illustrates the dual applicability of their innovations, both in the air and on the ground.

JBT AeroTech complements this partnership with a legacy in electric ground support equipment development. The company’s existing AmpCart product and its expansive network as a leading GSE Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) positions it to spearhead production, compatibility, sales, and support for this new venture.

The H2AmpCartTM’s design is responsive to a growing demand from airlines for cleaner GSE solutions that deliver on climate and community benefits. The partners are swiftly advancing to a demonstrator unit by the end of 2023, with full production and service launch anticipated by the end of 2024.

Why it’s important: This partnership not only signifies a significant stride for the reduction of emissions in aircraft ground support equipment today but also foreshadows the type of support operations that are typical of the proposed aerial mobility ecosystem: an increasingly larger share of clean energy to supply a growing transportation industry. Further, technological advances in the aerial mobility space may also permeate to large commercial air transport operations in certain areas in order to leverage innovation across the board for mobility.

EHang has announced the opening of its first European UAM Center in Spain. Located inside the Lleida–Alguaire International Airport, the center represents the first-of-its-kind in Europe for unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, setting a benchmark globally for the effective integration of eVTOL aircraft operation with airport infrastructure, air traffic management systems, operational procedures, and other information technologies.

The center is the product of a collaboration agreement signed between EHang and Aeroports de Catalunya in the field of UAM and will enable European aviation and airport sectors to be positioned at the forefront of global Advanced Air Mobility.

The EH216-S deployed at EHang’s European UAM Center will foster the accumulation of operational experience as well as invaluable knowledge. By integrating vast flight experience gathered from various locations worldwide, this collective information can be leveraged to the development of technological solutions, regulations, processes and procedures for the safe and efficient integration of eVTOL aircraft into European airspace in the future. 

The UAM Center includes a vertiport that is fully compliant with EASA’s design criteria and will enable seamlessly incorporation with the airport terminal, platform, control tower, equipment, procedures and regulations. This state-of-the-art vertiport will set a benchmark for global UAM infrastructure and accumulate a vast amount of knowledge and expertise on the vertiport establishment and operations, which will enable intelligent eVTOL operating models and facilitate their smart deployment across multiple locations.

During the inauguration event, Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, stated, “The establishment of EHang’s European UAM Center marks an important step forward in the company’s international development. Through this world-class UAM center, EHang expects to manifest its strong commitment with the development and deployment of UAM in Europe. EHang aims to share our certified and validated technology and operational experience with our partners around the world in the future to make our shared vision for benefiting all of society with safe, autonomous and eco-friendly UAM solutions.”

Why it matters: Less than one month ago, China’s aviation regulatory body, CAAC, awarded EHang a Type Certificate of its EH216-S eVTOL. The company now sets its eyes globally as it will try to certify its EH216-S eVTOL in Europe and the United States, the two largest aerial mobility markets. This operational center offers EHang to demonstrate to regulators it has the prowess to achieve additional type certificates.

Source: EHang Press Release