Abu Dhabi Investment Office’s Post

KakaoMobility and Archer Aviation Partner to Launch Electric Air Taxi Service in South Korea by 2026 ✔ #KakaoMobility partners with #Archer Aviation to advance eVTOL commercialization in Korea. ✔ KakaoMobility to pay Archer $7M in 2024 for early commercialization efforts, with a second installment expected in January 2025. ✔ Together, they will conduct public flight demonstrations as part of Korea’s K-UAM Grand Challenge by Q4 2024. ✔ KakaoMobility plans to purchase up to 50 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, valued at approximately $250M. ✔ eVTOL operations to begin in 2026, offering electric air taxi services via Kakao T mobile app to over 30M users in major cities. ✔ The consortium, including LG UPlus and GS E&C, will work on building vertiports and air traffic management systems. ✔ This initiative supports South Korea’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technology. Exciting to see the future of urban air mobility taking shape in South Korea with this innovative partnership! https://lnkd.in/gEAETSrP #evtols #urbanairmobility #advancedairmobility #flyingcars #flyingtaxi #airtaxi #UAM #evtol #aam #vertiports #urbanmobility #electricaviation #emergingtech

🚀 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

At the heart of Dubai-based aircraft brokerage ArcosJet’s vision lies the belief that the Middle East, spearheaded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is poised to become the springboard for the first wave of commercial eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi services. This revelation came to light during the recent Corporate Jet Investor Dubai 2024 event, underscoring the region's strategic importance in shaping the future of air transportation. ArcosJet’s exclusive partnership with German firm Lilium for the private sales of their innovative eVTOL aircraft in the UAE, Israel, and Cyprus reinforces this narrative. Mikhail Alenkin, CEO and founder of ArcosJet, emphasized that the UAE, renowned as a global hub for innovation, finance, and sustainability initiatives, offers an ideal landscape for pioneering such cutting-edge aviation solutions. Alenkin highlighted the confluence of factors propelling this shift, including robust economic conditions, a concentration of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), rapid urbanization, and a burgeoning interest in advanced sustainable technologies. He noted, “ArcosJet sees eVTOLs in general, and the Lilium Jet in particular, as a very effective tool for creating a modern, high-tech, and sustainable system of advanced air mobility and last-mile transportation in the region.” With a strategic focus on complementing existing helicopter services and leveraging underutilized air infrastructure, ArcosJet aims to pioneer a comprehensive ecosystem for the seamless operation and maintenance of helicopters and eVTOLs in the UAE. This move not only addresses current gaps in air transportation but also aligns with the UAE government’s proactive stance towards fostering sustainable aviation solutions. As eVTOL technology continues to mature and gain traction globally, ArcosJet’s strategic foresight positions them at the forefront of shaping the aerial mobility landscape in the Middle East. The partnership between ArcosJet and Lilium underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and enhanced air mobility experiences, heralding a transformative era in regional aviation. For the full article and insights, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #ArcosJet #Lilium #eVTOL #UAEInnovation #SustainableAviation #AirMobility #FutureofTransportation

EHang (NASDAQ: EH), a leader in urban air mobility (UAM) technology, announced a landmark achievement: the EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed its first autonomous air taxi flight in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This milestone underscores EHang’s commitment to safety and innovation in the UAM sector. The autonomous flight, conducted in partnership with Saudi-based Front End Limited Company, highlights the transformative potential of pilotless eVTOL aircraft for the region's transportation system. With support from GACA - General Authority of Civil Aviation - Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah - وزارة الحج والعمرة, and the Ministry of Interior - KSA, this collaboration marks a significant step toward a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj pilgrimage. His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA, praised the initiative, stating, “This flight marks a major advancement in integrating advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape. We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang in marking this historic milestone.” Majid Alghaslan, chairman and CEO of Front End, commented, “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing initiative. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our goal is to foster a ‘Connected Kingdom.’ This achievement demonstrates the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this pioneering solution a reality.” 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. These eco-friendly eVTOLs offer a cost-effective solution for urban transportation, tackling congestion and promoting sustainability. Hu Huazhi, 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 internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform. With the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we aim to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia.” Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #EHang #FrontEnd #UrbanAirMobility #eVTOL #AAM #SaudiVision2030 #SustainableMobility #Hajj2024 #AviationInnovation

California-based startup AIBOT, founded by Jerry Wang, RK Jia, and ZK Jia, has entered into a key collaboration with Honeywell during the Dubai Airshow. AIBOT, specializing in aiEVTOL technology, envisions disrupting the future of mobility. The partnership involves Honeywell providing its advanced flight control system for AIBOT's 7,000 lbs manned aircraft. AIBOT's roadmap showcases rapid progression from a 20-pound prototype to a 700-pound unmanned commercial aircraft. The collaboration aims to launch a pre-production aircraft, leveraging Honeywell's expertise for market acceleration. Beyond passenger-carrying operations, AIBOT tailors its products for diverse use cases. The collaboration is seen as pivotal for AIBOT's market launch and product performance enhancement. In terms of certification, AIBOT is in initial discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration, focusing on the U.S. market. The company recognizes the importance of global markets and plans to leverage bilateral agreements for streamlined certification. eVTOL Insights had the privilege to connect with the visionaries behind AIBOT during the Dubai Airshow. They shared insights into their mission to disrupt the future of mobility and transform aviation into a B2C accessible reality. The full interview can be accessed here. #avfoilnews #futureofaviation #AIBOT #Honeywell #advancedairmobility #DubaiAirshow #innovationjourney

While U.S. eVTOL companies like Archer and Joby Aviation have been gaining attention for their successes in the Middle East, competition from China is intensifying. In early May, China-based AutoFlight achieved a significant milestone with its maiden flight of the CarryAll cargo aircraft in the UAE, setting a new regional record for its two-metric ton eVTOL. With approval from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the CarryAll covered 123 kilometers with an impressive endurance of 41 minutes on a single charge, landing with 44% battery capacity remaining. This flight demonstrates the reliability and safety of eVTOL technology even in the harsh desert environment. AutoFlight’s CarryAll, which received Type Certification (TC) from the CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China in March, is the world’s first eVTOL aircraft over one ton to achieve such a certification. The Middle East is a critical market for AutoFlight, given the region’s potential in the "low-altitude economy" for both domestic and international operations. Carrying cargo freight offers immediate economic benefits and ease of implementation compared to passenger transport. Jia Xie, Senior VP of AutoFlight, highlighted China’s leadership in core technical fields, emphasizing the nation’s complete supply chain and experience in new-energy vehicles as key drivers for eVTOL development. The '2024 Government Work Report' of China identifies the low-altitude economy as a new growth area, with many cities establishing testing sites and routes for related technologies. In another notable development, EHang (NASDAQ: EH) conducted a passenger demonstration flight with its EH216-S aircraft in Abu Dhabi. This marked the first passenger eVTOL flight in the Middle East, following an unmanned demo flight at the DRIFTx Abu Dhabi event. EHang also showcased the EH216-F for high-rise firefighting and the EH216-L for aerial logistics, demonstrating a wide range of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) applications. These successful demonstrations, approved by the UAE’s GCAA, were witnessed by Emirati royalty, civil aviation authorities, government officials, and media representatives, further solidifying the region's interest in eVTOL technology. Read the full article on our blog #AvfoilNews #eVTOL #UrbanAirMobility #AutoFlight #EHang #AviationInnovation #MiddleEastAviation #SustainableTransport #FutureOfFlight

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

SK Telecom has signed a collaboration agreement with Joby Aviation to participate in the K‑UAM Grand Challenge at a signing ceremony that took place at SKT’s Seoul headquarters last week. The two companies will combine their expertise and resources to undertake flight testing that is designed to support the development of the Urban Air Mobility sector in Korea. K‑UAM Grand Challenge is a large-scale demonstration programme launched by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MOLIT) to test the safety and suitability of UAM in an urban environment and to support the commercialisation of UAM by 2025. SKT and Joby are part of the K‑UAM Dream Team Consortium, which announced its intention to participate in the K‑UAM Grand Challenge in February 2023, signing a memorandum of understanding with MOLIT. The consortium includes a wide range of world-class partners, including Korea Airports Corporation (KAC, 한국공항공사), Hanwha Systems and T Map Mobility. The first phase of the Grand Challenge program will take place at a national flight site in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. SKT and Joby Aviation plan to use Joby’s aircraft to conduct flight tests to check the integrated operation of the UAM system, and measure the aircraft’s acoustic footprint. Joby will dispatch a flight test team to Korea to support the testing. Joby Aviation continues to lead the way on certifying eVTOL aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration. It became the first eVTOL company to complete both the first and second stages of the certification process and have also completed the submission of stage three certification plans to the FAA. Joby celebrated the launch of production at its pilot production line in Marina, CA, in June and announced this week that it has selected Dayton, Ohio as the location for its first scaled manufacturing facility. “This agreement marks a critical step on the road to making aerial ridesharing a daily reality in Korea. We are grateful for the continued leadership of the Korean Government as they seek to lead the way on the adoption of electric flight,” said Eric Allison, Head of Product at Joby Aviation. SKT chief development officer Min Yong Ha added: “We will work closely with Joby Aviation to bring the world’s most sophisticated aircraft to Korea and verify our capabilities for stable and safe UAM operations. We will open an era of ‘AI mobility’ by combining UAM and AI.” #avfoilnews #aviation #artificialintelligence #uam #urbanairmobility #korea

Archer has entered into an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to which the parties intend to work together to make Abu Dhabi its first international launch partner, with plans to commence air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi in 2026. Find out more: https://hubs.la/Q0272v_S0 ADIO plans to support Archer with incentives for establishing its first international headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi. Archer Aviation’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, commented; “We are excited to announce this joint collaboration for the United Arab Emirates to become our first international market outside of the United States. Archer plans to partner closely with ADIO and the Department of Economic Development to bring manufacturing and operations for our air taxis to the region. Together, we are positioned to be a driving force in making all-electric air taxis a reality in the skies of the UAE and beyond in the coming years.” Read more > > https://hubs.la/Q0272v_S0 #evtol #airtaxi #flight #aircraft #aerospace #advancedairmobility #aam #electric #transport #technology #tech

Japanese startup SkyScape Vertiports has revealed exciting new plans to develop a ‘Integrated Aviation Centre’ or ‘IAC’, which will become one of the first #vertiport facilities in the country. The company, led by president and founder Asa Quesenberry, wants to create infrastructure for #AdvancedAirMobility that provides ‘real value to society’. In an effort to push the industry forward in #Japan, it has laid out a plan to utilise a 67,000 sq. m. site as a centre for testing the many innovative ideas related to AAM and vertiport development in the #AsiaPacific region. Planned services at the IAC include tourism/leisure flights, emergency response, #drone cargo services, eVTOL aircraft testing and demonstrations, #helicopter services and a showcase/workshop centre. https://lnkd.in/eymDhztk #evtolinsights #skyscapejapan #evtol #airtaxi #electricaviation #aviation #evtolinfrastructure