Avfoil’s Post

Air taxi flies in Saudi Arabia 🚁 EHang (NASDAQ: EH)'s EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft has completed its first autonomous air taxi flight in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Conducted in a low-risk area within protected airspace, the flight is critical in helping authorities set the right regulatory environment for deploying pilotless eVTOL aircraft, thereby enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability. Find out more > > https://hubs.la/Q02C12RB0 Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, stated; “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang’s ongoing internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market. "Looking ahead, with the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we will work together to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia, driving progress in both regional and the global AAM markets.” Read more on the Advanced Air Mobility International website. #evtol #advancedairmobility #aam #mobility #aircraft #airtaxi #aerospace

🚀 Exciting News in the eVTOL Space! 🚀 📈 I’m thrilled to share that Archer has been named as Kakao Mobility’s eVTOL air taxi partner for their Korean commercialization efforts. This partnership marks a significant step towards the future of urban air mobility in South Korea. 💰But that’s not all – Archer is backed by a robust group of investors, including industry giants such as Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines, as well as financial institutions like ARK Invest. Together, they’ve propelled Archer with a substantial equity investment, totaling over $1.1 billion. A Closer Look at Archer’s Cutting-Edge eVTOL Technology 🛫 Archer’s advancements in eVTOL technology are nothing short of revolutionary. Their production aircraft, Midnight™, is the culmination of their demonstrator eVTOL aircraft, Maker, which has successfully validated Archer’s proprietary 12 tilt 6 configuration and key enabling technologies. 🚁 Midnight™ is designed with safety and sustainability at its core. It’s a pilot-plus-four-passenger eVTOL aircraft that boasts an impressive payload of over 1,000 pounds. Optimized for quick, back-to-back trips of around 20 miles, it’s perfect for the urban environment. What’s more, it charges in approximately 10 minutes between flights. 🛩️ The aircraft integrates state-of-the-art electric propulsion technology with advanced aircraft systems, ensuring a 100x quieter experience than a helicopter. This makes Midnight™ not only a sustainable choice but also a neighbor-friendly one. 💺 Archer is on track to certify Midnight™ with the FAA in late 2024 and aims to launch its urban air mobility (UAM) network in 2025. This aligns perfectly with the Korean government’s efforts to privatize air travel by drones, setting the stage for a new era of transportation that is fast, safe, and sustainable. As an EV expert passionate about sustainable transportation, I’m excited to see how these developments will shape the future of travel. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible! #eVTOL #UrbanAirMobility #SustainableTransportation #Innovation #ArcherMidnight #eVTOLInnovation #FutureOfTravel Source:- https://lnkd.in/gMJriRsq https://lnkd.in/gYn8Jd_q https://lnkd.in/gEYTwGfB https://lnkd.in/gpV36uiK

Volocopter Cleared for Takeoff on VoloCity #eVTOL Serial Production! Germany's LBA civil aviation authority has given the green light to Volocopter's production dreams, extending their production organization approval (POA) to kickstart serial manufacturing of the groundbreaking VoloCity eVTOL aircraft! 🌟 This milestone, announced on Thursday, paves the way for Volocopter to soar towards their objective of securing EASA type certification for the VoloCity this summer, marking a historic achievement as the first eVTOL model to gain this prestigious approval in Europe. But that's not all! With eyes set on the skies, Volocopter aims to have some commercial passenger flights operational in Paris during the 2024 #OlympicGames, with the opening ceremony slated for July 29. In case you're wondering about the backup plan, fear not! Volocopter is diligently collaborating with EASA, the French DGAC air safety agency, and the airports group ADP to secure a limited permit for flight operations during the Olympics, just in case full-type certification isn't secured in time. But wait, there's more thrilling news! Volocopter's Air Services subsidiary has been granted clearance by the LBA to train eVTOL pilots, another significant step forward! CEO Andreas Fehring expressed his elation, labeling this achievement as a "major milestone" for the company. The extended POA signifies a move from prototyping to the preliminary phase of serial manufacturing, bringing Volocopter closer to delivering safe and high-quality eVTOL aircraft to eager customers. This regulatory journey in Europe stands in contrast to recent developments in other parts of the world. While China's EHang (NASDAQ: EH) received a type certificate last October, their path to full series production approval has encountered delays. Meanwhile, Joby Aviation in the U.S. is making strides with their Federal Aviation Administration type certification process. As the #eVTOL revolution gains momentum, Volocopter's clearance for serial production marks a significant leap forward in the future of urban air mobility. Don't Miss Out on the eVTOL Show USA 2024! 🌐 https://lnkd.in/eaRqg4XC As the eVTOL industry reaches new heights, be sure to mark your calendars for the eVTOL Show USA 2024, the premier technical gathering of eVTOL management industry leaders, innovators, and experts! Don't miss your chance to be part of shaping the future of air mobility! Download the event guide today and secure your spot at the forefront of eVTOL innovation. 🌐 https://lnkd.in/eaRqg4XC #eVTOLShowUSA2024 #FutureofFlight #UrbanAirMobility #Volocopter #VoloCity#UrbanAirMobility #FutureofFlight #Volocopter #VoloCity #eVTOL

Yet another excellent article from the team at Helicopter Investor! There are a large number of professionals in the aviation including myself who are wanting this nascent technology to succeed. All the professionals I am engaging with are looking forward for Evtol OEMs to take to the air. In fact it is critical electrification of flight becomes part of the transport system albeit with ultimate caution. Some eVTOL OEMs are probably trying to push for EASA- FAA certification and entry into service for Urbain Air Mobility way too quick. I often comment on many posts regarding the extreme danger this is posing for urban air mobility. The ecosystem in which these new flying machines are designed to operate in I.E over Built Up Areas and Cities, with new tilting and new distributed propulsion technology, batteries and electric powering systems is definitely not mature enough. The operation they are entering is ultra dangerous, no one ever would want any crash over a school, a block of flat, a hospital or a shopping centre because first of the loss of life, leading to public non acceptance and potentially causing the death of this new mean of public transport. All eVTOL OEMs should consider regional operations building up thousands of hours worldwide to gather all failures and make the required upgrades, retrofits to ensure max reliability prior to venturing operating in Urban Air Mobility. Some fantasise about UBER flying they just do not realise the gigantic risk attached to these type of operations. ALL EASA- FAA and international civil aviation authorities have an obligation to the public and the industry not to make a mess of this and no doubt they will ensu

HI Uplift: Why 'eVTOL nirvana is a million miles away’ “We are a million miles away from eVTOL nirvana,” says James Dillon-Godfray, head of Business Development, London Oxford Airport and The London Heliport Ltd. Heliport infrastructure – both space and capital investment – are key concerns for Dillon-Godfray. At present, there isn’t the space or time to accommodate eVTOLs at London Heliport, he said. “It’s a case of drop off and go [for helicopters]. We don’t want them hanging around. We don’t have the elbow room to setting one [an eVTOL] aside for charging, as we have very limited parking capacity.” The cash needed for investment is another question. “We are not going to spend a single penny putting in a particular system [for eVTOL charging] that only suits one of the OEMs. The manufacturers have different systems, so there no commonality between the charging requirements for the different products,” said Dillon-Godfray. Equally unimpressed by the imminent prospects of eVTOL success is Alex Durand, CEO, of helicopter and jet charter company SAXONAIR CHARTER LIMITED and vice chair of BBGA British Business and General Aviation Association. While Durand would welcome the integration of eVTOLs with existing aircraft and systems as a “community asset”, he worried about unanswered questions. “When you are talking about agnostic [technology], you are talking about unproven, uncertified aircraft with [questions about] noise profiles and downforce requirements,” he said. Unlike eVTOLs, helicopters are not restricted to a particular location – even over congested areas. “I don’t want to be negative but there’s so much that is still to be proven. I’d love to see it work but there’s a feeling you are just a battery fire away from it all being really bad,” said Durand. EVTOL’s lack of endurance compared with helicopters was highlighted by Timothy Fauchon, CEO, THE BRITISH HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION LIMITED . With present technology, an eVTOL flight from London to the UK motor racing circuit at Silverstone – a journey of about 80 miles – would require a guaranteed landing at the destination or an immediate diversion. One solution to bridge the gap between now and an AAM future, featuring eVTOLs, was envisioned by Jeremy Hartley, Vertiports Policy, UK, Civil Aviation Authority. The authority has just closed a consultation on design proposals for VTOL operations at existing airfields, as part of an International International Civil Aviation Organization initiative. Read the full story – including one answer to the killer question: when will eVTOL nirvana come to pass? – via the link. https://lnkd.in/eFQWuMjK #HIUplift #evtols #electricaircraft #helicopters #rotorcraft #airports #sustainableaviation

LYTE Aviation has received a pre-order for 10 aircraft from Vman as it eyes an entrance to the Indian market. The UK-based eVTOL OEM is developing a 40-seat aircraft it calls the LA-44 SkyBus, with plans to certify by 2028. Vman is aiming to launch India’s UAM market, last year the firm purchased 10 light utility helicopters and sub leased two ATR 72-600s. The latest order with Lyte Aviation is worth up to €400m ($421m). Vishok Mansingh, CEO at Vman said: “We see the value of eVTOLs in India, but so far the 2-4 seater eVTOLs were not really filling the market demand that we are focused on. When we were introduced to the 40 seater eVTOL by Lyte Aviation, we immediately connected the pain points of our region with the benefits that their SkyBus offer. We want to make sure that we are the front runners of mass transit disruption in India, as it is inevitably coming. “By the time, the SkyBus is ready to deliver around 2027/28, we want to be one of the first ones that access this mass market in India. Only in Mumbai, there are 1.5m passengers traveling by train. So, we definitely see the value that Lyte’s 40 seater eVTOL will create for our markets that we have access to.” added Vishok. Lyte’s SkyBus offers a range of 620 miles (1,000km) with a max speed of 190mph (300km/hr). A full-scale prototype is being planned within 24 months. The SkyBus design features two separate propulsion systems, one electric and powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the other turbine powered by SAF. Freshta Farzam, founder & CEO, LYTE Aviation said: “When we started working on our use cases, we knew that India is one of our main target markets. If you consider the ever growing congested roads, due to ever growing population, ever growing demand for passenger mobility and goods, especially in the mega cities, it is a great place to offer point-to-point movement of passengers in masses. India, a country that carries more than 1/7th of the entire global population, offers the required advanced technology and infrastructure to be in the forefront of advanced urban and regional aviation.” Since announcing its eVTOL this year, Lyte has been approached by several companies that have shown interest in partnerships and pre-orders, according to Farzam. “We are currently in talks with very interesting markets, but when Vishok came with his vision for the Indian market, that was very impressive, yet, with a very feasible and solution-oriented approach that matches Lyte’s overall business strategies. I am looking for the right mindsets in partners, and Vishok also shows courage, genius and glowing eyes for his company with a very clear strategy,” she said. #avfoilnews #aviation #eVTOL #VTOL #india

It was just last week that I shared the news that Joby Aviation and Delta Air Lines have launched a new partnership to drive the U.S. #AAM movement — and just as I shared it, Joby’s eVTOL air taxi took to the skies over NYC! Its preproduction prototype aircraft became the first eVTOL air taxi to fly in the skies of NYC — with Volocopter's 2X prototype following suit the next day! The future of intra-city AAM in the U.S. is moving at pace, and is well on its way to becoming a reality in 2025...really exciting times for aviation and the AAM industry. https://ifs.link/aurKQT #AAM #eVTOL #AdvancedAirMobility #FutureofFlight

Skyfly Technologies Ltd and electric aircraft charging company AEROVOLT are collaborating to conduct the UK's first airfield-to-airfield eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) flight in 2024. Using AeroVolt's operational public charging network, the Axe eVTOL by Skyfly will demonstrate its impressive range of 100 miles in fully electric mode or 300 miles in a hybrid configuration, surpassing the capabilities of many other private eVTOLs. AeroVolt's charging network, installed at major general aviation airfields, including Brighton City Airport, Lydd, Dunkeswell, Bournemouth, Solent Airport Daedalus, and SANDOWN AIRFIELD LTD, enhances the flexibility of the Axe. The partnership aims to demonstrate the feasibility of electric aircraft through test flights and confirm the compatibility of the Axe with AeroVolt's charging and monitoring software. Skyfly envisions making the UK a leader in low-cost, low-emission, and low-noise flying, promoting electric aviation as the future of mobility. AeroVolt, known for its advanced aircraft charging network in Europe, has already deployed charging stations at airfields across England and plans to install a total of 60 charging stations in the UK. AeroVolt's chargers, accessible through the subscription service "Squadron," are particularly beneficial for training organizations. The collaboration with Skyfly aims to offer sustainable, quiet, and cost-effective flight training, with the Axe eVTOL serving as an economical training platform for various aircraft types. Squadron members have access to AeroVolt's charging stations and can also rent AeroVolt's Pipistrel Aircraft Velis Electro fixed-wing electric aircraft. AeroVolt's charging network will soon be accessible through Octopus Electroverse, a charging app from energy supplier Octopus Energy. AeroVolt plans to integrate ATIS and NOTAM information into its charging network, with larger chargers and increased charging capacities planned for the future. The collaboration reflects a commitment to advancing electric aviation and creating a comprehensive charging infrastructure to support the growth of eVTOLs. After this year's tests, AeroVolt will receive its own Axe eVTOL in 2025 for member rentals, customer demonstrations, and network development and testing. #avfoilnews #electricalenergy #electricaviation

#UrbanAirMobility Takes Flight: Volocopter's ATO Milestone! Volocopter has soared to new heights with German regulators granting approval for pilot training of its eVTOL aircraft. This pivotal move positions Volocopter Air Services as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), steering the VoloCity eVTOL air taxi closer to commercial reality. Key Insights: 🚁 Regulatory Compliance: Achieving ATO status is a testament to Volocopter's commitment to safety and operational excellence, setting the stage for an Air Operator Certificate and type certification. 🚁 Urban Mobility Revolution: The VoloCity eVTOL, with its 18 rotors and urban-friendly noise profile, is gearing up to transform city travel, offering a sustainable alternative for up to 35km at 110km/h. 🚁 Scaling Production: With expanded facilities in Bruchsal, Germany, Volocopter is transitioning into pre-serial manufacturing, readying for the anticipated demand surge in eVTOL crafts. Strategic Significance: 📈 Commercial Prospects: Despite regulatory and local challenges, Volocopter's progress marks a significant leap for urban air mobility, with eyes set on the Paris Olympics showcase. 📈 Investment Landscape: The eVTOL sector brims with growth potential. Volocopter's strides signal ripe opportunities for investors, with the caveat of navigating regulatory risks. 📈 Market Collaboration: Investors should watch for strategic partnerships within the eVTOL ecosystem, from aviation tech to infrastructure, to diversify and strengthen investment portfolios. Volocopter's journey is more than an aviation breakthrough; it's a blueprint for the future of urban transportation. As we track the eVTOL market's ascent, investors and industry leaders must align with the pace of innovation and regulatory frameworks to thrive in this transformative era. For the latest in urban air mobility and strategic investment insights, keep your radar locked on Market Unwinded. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gBdgQbqU #Volocopter #eVTOL #Aviation #Innovation #InvestmentStrategy #ATO #VoloCity #MarketUnwinded

Yet another excellent article from the team at Helicopter Investor! There are a large number of professionals in the aviation including myself who are wanting this nascent technology to succeed. All the professionals I am engaging with are looking forward for Evtol OEMs to take to the air. In fact it is critical electrification of flight becomes part of the transport system albeit with ultimate caution. Some eVTOL OEMs are probably trying to push for EASA- FAA certification and entry into service for Urbain Air Mobility way too quick. I often comment on many posts regarding the extreme danger this is posing for urban air mobility. The ecosystem in which these new flying machines are designed to operate in I.E over Built Up Areas and Cities, with new tilting and new distributed propulsion technology, batteries and electric powering systems is definitely not mature enough. The operation they are entering is ultra dangerous, no one ever would want any crash over a school, a block of flat, a hospital or a shopping centre because first of the loss of life, leading to public non acceptance and potentially causing the death of this new mean of public transport. All eVTOL OEMs should consider regional operations building up thousands of hours worldwide to gather all failures and make the required upgrades, retrofits to ensure max reliability prior to venturing operating in Urban Air Mobility. Some fantasise about UBER flying they just do not realise the gigantic risk attached to these type of operations. ALL EASA- FAA and international civil aviation authorities have an obligation to the public and the industry not to make a mess of this and no doubt they will ensure this is actually safer operation than airliners if they are approve operation over cities. The road to success is super long as pointed out in this article we have no infrastructure. You would not want to spend hundred of millions to build an F1 car if you have no track to race it on! This is the same. Also as I detailed before EASA- FAA certification for any mods on aircraft and helicopter or business jets or any commercial existing aircraft can take sometimes more than 12 months. Is it realistic for some of these eVTOL OEMs to come up with statement saying we are going to gain full certification to operate in 2025, or 2026 when you are going for a brand new design, new power train, tilting system and distributed propulsion? The AW609 tilting rotor from Leonardo has been in development since 1996, 28 years in the making and it is not fully completed yet. You are talking about a master helicopter OEM who knows the business of designing, prototyping, certifying and manufacturing VTOL inside and out! The most important message here is please do not mess this up, because it will cause carnage across the industry first to all eVTOL OEMs and then to the helicopter industry.