eVTOL

ACEA, BETA Technologies, and NARTP Showcase Pioneering Aerospace Innovations and Sustainable Aviation at Exclusive New Jersey Event

Kim Stevens

Photo above – From left to right are, Mr. Lauren Moore, President, ACEA; Michael Viscount, Board of Trustees Chair, ACEA; Blain Newton, Chief Operating Officer, BETA Technologies; Howard Kyle, President, NARTP; Mark Loeben, Board of Trustees Chair, NARTP; Stephen Dougherty, Executive Director, South Jersey Transportation Authority; and Lexi Pace, BETA Technologies.

The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), and BETA Technologies recently hosted an exclusive event, offering a captivating preview into the future of aerospace innovation. This gathering at the Atlantic City International Airport provided an extraordinary platform for attendees to explore the latest advancements and visionary developments shaping the industry.

Lauren Moore, President of ACEA, expressed his enthusiasm for the revolutionary developments showcased by BETA Technologies. “We are thrilled to see the cutting-edge innovations BETA Technologies is bringing to the aerospace sector. This event has truly highlighted the transformative potential of electric aviation and its capacity to revolutionize the industry. We are proud to host BETA Technologies right here in Atlantic County!”

The event drew professionals, policymakers, and aviation enthusiasts from across New Jersey and the national aerospace community. Attendees were treated to a firsthand look at BETA Technologies’ groundbreaking all-electric ALIA aircraft, marking a significant achievement in sustainable aviation technology.

Driven by innovations like those from BETA Technologies, the aerospace industry is on a transformative journey. As electric and sustainable aviation technologies continue to evolve, they promise to reshape air travel, making it more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Blain Newton, Chief Operating Officer, BETA Technologies, said, “At BETA, we’re working to change the way goods and people are moved, by electrifying aviation to make it cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-effective. As we move closer and closer to getting this technology into the market, it’s critical that the surrounding ecosystem is ready to support it. This transition will take all of us, and we look forward to continuing to work with our government partners and leaders across New Jersey like the NJEDA, ACEA and NARTP to make this future a reality.”   

Reflecting on the collaboration, Mark Loeben, Board Member of the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), said, “The collaboration between the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, NARTP, and BETA Technologies showcases the vast potential for aerospace growth here in Atlantic County. BETA’s ALIA aircraft is a prime example of how innovative technology can drive progress and create new opportunities. This event highlights our commitment to cultivating a dynamic hub for advanced air mobility in South Jersey.”

Based in Vermont, BETA Technologies is dedicated to transforming air transportation to be safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective. Recently, their ALIA aircraft completed a successful four-day military exercise with the U.S. Air Force, showcasing its versatility in various operational scenarios. This fixed-wing electric aircraft represents a pivotal advancement in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), aiming to revolutionize air travel and logistics. BETA is also advancing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, currently undergoing FAA certification.

Beyond aircraft development, BETA Technologies is leading the charge in establishing charging infrastructure to support electric transportation across sectors, including aircraft, cars, buses, and tugs. With 20 operational charging locations along the East and Gulf coasts and plans for over 50 more underway, their infrastructure expansion is critical. This effort aligns with projections that the U.S. AAM market will grow to $115 billion annually by 2035, creating over 280,000 high-paying jobs. In New Jersey, initiatives led by the ACEA and NARTP are positioned to drive significant economic benefits through the development of the AAM industry.

EHang Delivers 27 Units of EH216-S to Wencheng County and Completes First Passenger-Carrying Flight in Wencheng

Kim Stevens

EHang Holdings Limited announced it has received full payment for the initial batch of 30 units of EH216-S passenger-carrying pilotless aircraft and has delivered 27 units to Wencheng County Transportation Development Group Co., Ltd. in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. It drives Wencheng’s comprehensive layout in the low-altitude economy industry.

On June 22, the EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft completed its passenger-carrying debut flight in Wencheng, marking the launch of the cultural tourism initiative of “Low-Altitude Tourism in Wencheng”. During the flight event, EH216-S carried multiple passengers for a low-altitude sightseeing tour over the renowned Tianding Lake at the Baizhangji Fall & Feiyun Lake Scenic Resort, a location offering breathtaking views of Wencheng’s natural beauty. A dedicated takeoff and landing site and supporting amenities for the EH216-S has been basically established at the Scenic Resort. The UAM operation center and supporting infrastructure will be gradually established in other areas in Wencheng as preparation for launching EH216-S aerial sightseeing services and a benchmark for low-altitude cultural tourism.

According to the cooperation agreement between EHang and the Wencheng County Government, both parties will jointly develop UAM and supporting public service ecosystem for the low-altitude economy and explore various low-altitude commercial operations for tourism, transportation, logistics, emergency response, and other scenarios, thereby generating a combined effect in low-altitude economy. Wencheng County plans to set up aerial sightseeing routes in scenic attractions such as Tianding Lake and Baizhangji Fall within this year and to launch pilotless eVTOL aerial sightseeing services.

Mr. Zhaozheng Luo, Secretary of Wencheng County Government, remarked, “This year marks an important beginning of Wencheng’s low-altitude economy development. Wencheng will fully leverage its advantages, including its clean airspace, rich terrain, and unique locations, to vigorously develop the low-altitude economy. By innovating with this emerging industry, we will jointly explore new business models with EHang, accelerating the integration ecosystem of low-altitude applications, scenic attractions and the local culture. Bringing low-altitude scenarios forward to flourish across Wencheng will nurture low-altitude industries, empower diverse business models, and refine low-altitude service management for efficiency and safety. By achieving these goals, Wencheng aims to become a demonstration county for high-quality low-altitude economy development, contributing to Wenzhou’s goal of reaching the GDP of over RMB1 trillion and a resident population of over RMB10 million, and Zhejiang’s vision of becoming a pioneering civil aviation province.”

Mr. Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, “Following the obtainment of the Type Certificate, Standard Airworthiness Certificate and Production Certificate for our EH216-S, we’ve received a surge in bulk orders from customers and partners globally, which is a testament of the market recognition of our innovative pilotless eVTOL products and solutions, as well as the robust demand for UAM and low-altitude economy development worldwide. With the deliveries for the initial batch of orders to Wencheng and the local debut flight of the EH216-S, we will join with Wencheng to establish a benchmark for low-altitude economy operations in Zhejiang Province, driving the growth of the industry in the East China region and promoting the widespread adoption of the new productivity enabled by pilotless eVTOLs.”

Click the link for a video of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL passenger-carrying debut flight in Wencheng:

CRISALION Mobility Reaches Pre-Sale Agreement with iJet for 10 Integrity eVTOLs

Kim Stevens

CRISALION Mobility, a Spanish leader in the design and development of advanced electric mobility solutions that are efficient, safe and sustainable, and iJet Aviation, which specialises in integrated aircraft management, signed a cooperation agreement last night to develop the air mobility sector in the province of Malaga.

Under the agreement, CRISALION Mobility completed the pre-sale of ten Integrity aircraft to iJet, reflecting a clear commitment to operational innovation and paving the way for more accessible, efficient transport in the region of Andalusia.

As part of this partnership, CRISALION Mobility and iJet will designate routes connecting key hotspots in Malaga and its surroundings, offering unprecedented access to some of the region’s most important landmarks.

These routes include:

·      Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport: A key hub for domestic and global connectivity.

·      Links to hotel complexes in the region: Direct links offering greater convenience for hotel guests.

·      Puerto Banús, Marbella.

·      Inland destinations like Ronda and nearby areas like Gibraltar.

·      Links to North Africa.

The official agreement signing ceremony took place last night at an event entitled ‘The Next Generation of Mobility Solutions’ at the Malaga Aeronautical Museum and was chaired by the CEOs of the two companies – CRISALION Mobility’s Carlos Poveda and iJet Aviation’s Javier Barriga – accompanied by Manuel Heredia, General Manager at CRISALION Mobility. The event was also attended by the Territorial Delegate of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Carlos García Giménez, the President of the Provincial Council of Malaga, José Francisco Salado, and the mayors of various municipalities in the province, as well as prominent business leaders and professionals from the aviation and technology sector.

The city of Malaga has become a global success story thanks to its ability to attract international talent and investment. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit is a perfect match for CRISALION Mobility’s goals, and this agreement is a clear example of how innovation and entrepreneurship in technology will continue to improve this ecosystem, shaping the city and supporting its progress.

Carlos Poveda, CEO of CRISALION Mobility, said: “This pre-sale of our Integrity aircraft and the designation of key routes in Malaga clearly evidence how Spanish companies are innovating and adapting their outlooks to the advanced air mobility solutions their customers will be demanding within a few years. In 2030, mobility will look completely different from the way it is today. We are proud to lead this revolution, upholding our commitment to innovation and sustainable development, both of which are fully aligned with the way we work and our outlook for the future.”

Javier Barriga, CEO of iJet Aviation, said: “This agreement with CRISALION Mobility is a major milestone for iJet and for the future of air mobility in Malaga. We are excited to work together to explore new opportunities and offer advanced air transport services to our customers.”

VI&E Solutions and Spectrum Associates to Create eVTOL Infrastructure Ecosystem in New England

Kim Stevens

Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions and Spectrum Associates Inc., have formally agreed to collaborate on the development of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) infrastructure ecosystem, specifically focusing on vertiports in the New England region of the United States. This partnership, outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU), entails a two-phase endeavor. The initial phase will see the establishment of seven vertiports spanning across Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Subsequently, the project will expand to encompass a total of 13 vertiports, covering the entirety of the New England area.

“Partnering with an established aerospace engineering manufacturer, such as Spectrum Associates, established in 1957, will be the long pole in the tent for building infrastructure for vertiports and eVTOL charging in Advanced Air Mobility,” said VI&E Solutions Chief Commercial Officer Bob Johnson. “We look forward to complimenting their 75 years of manufacturing in the commercial and military aircraft sector and tee up our collective experience for vertiport networks globally.”

“Spectrum Associates is pleased to be teamed with Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions to develop Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure for this new aerospace transportation technology. The future of eVTOL is nearly limitless,” said Richard Meisenheimer, President of Spectrum Associates, Inc. Spectrum Associates Inc., headquartered in Milford, CT, is a leading global aerospace engineering and manufacturing company, established in 1957, providing proprietary and patented instruments to the military and commercial marketplace. Founded in 2021, Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions is connecting communities with best-in-class eVTOL infrastructure technology to ensure society is ready for the future. VI&E Solutions offers three modular vertiport designs and charging stations for electric vehicles across all mediums: air, land and sea. By tailoring to specific customer needs and incorporating the latest technologies, their work positively impacts clients and the communities they serve globally. Join the future with VI&E Solutions.

Crisalion Mobility Partners with Kookiejar to Develop Vertiports

Kim Stevens

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish leader in the design and development of advanced electric mobility solutions has signed a strategic agreement with Swedish vertiport company Kookiejar, which boasts extensive experience in developing air mobility solutions. Under the agreement, the two companies will partner on the development of vertiports, delivering essential take-off and landing infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Crisalion Mobility and Kookiejar are joining forces to create an action plan and roadmap and set out a series of shared goals, which will be instrumental in their project development. They will seek to identify potential synergies between the eVTOL Integrity and Kookiejar vertiports and analyze the efficiency of Crisalion Mobility’s operations at these facilities. These operations will include freight transport, medical emergencies and urban, regional and tourism missions.

The agreement will also focus heavily on developing strategies to minimize the environmental footprint, enhance turnaround efficiency and comply with sustainability standards. Joint training programs will be rolled out for the teams at the two companies and research undertaken into future technologies to further enhance the efficiency and safety of air mobility operations in relation to the project.

The partnership between Crisalion Mobility and Kookiejar is a key milestone in the expansion and development of air mobility in urban settings. It also unlocks a wealth of possibilities for the integration of aircraft into global transport infrastructure, ushering in a new era in urban air mobility. Cooperation has proven to be key to creating sustainable, revolutionary solutions. Each of the two companies brings to the table its own unique experience in the development of innovative, safe solutions that will facilitate the effective implementation of vertiports all over the world.

Inspired by Sweden’s IKEA, the scalable, modular construction method of Kookiejar’s vertiports allows businesses, cities and towns to make their commercial real-estate flyready and form an efficient Vertiport network. Kookiejar’s low-cost solutions afford flexibility in vertiport deployment with the aim to minimize landing fees, enabling air mobility for all.

“We continue to drive this fascinating project forward with new key partners. Working with Kookiejar will allow us to harness our shared technical experience and future outlook to deliver progress on safe, efficient vertiport development. Together, we are paving the way for air mobility that will transform cities and change people’s lives,” said Óscar Lara Rapp, COO of Crisalion Mobility.

“This agreement represents a fusion of ideas and innovation. Air mobility technology is undergoing revolutionary change, and we are excited to be partnering with Crisalion Mobility to play a role in that transformation. Our highly complementary technical experience will allow us to design and build vertiports that comply with the strictest safety and efficiency standards,” said Kim Silander, founder of Kookiejar.

Crisalion Mobility Strengthens Management Team and Appoints Alberto Muñoz-Domper as CFO

Kim Stevens

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish leader in the design and development of advanced electric mobility solutions that are efficient, safe and sustainable, has appointed Alberto Muñoz-Domper as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Alberto Munoz-Domper

With more than two decades’ experience in the financial sector, Alberto Muñoz-Domper’s invaluable strategic expertise will be crucial to Crisalion Mobility’s future growth. Muñoz-Domper’s outstanding performance as CFO at other sector companies evidences his ability to deliver robust, proactive financial management, which will ensure Crisalion Mobility is well-positioned to achieve its corporate objectives.

Muñoz-Domper will be heading up Crisalion Mobility’s financial strategy as the company seeks to cement its footprint in the regions where it operates. He will play a key role in ensuring workflow continuity and optimising the exponential investment the company is set to roll out over the years ahead.

Before joining Crisalion Mobility, Muñoz held prominent roles at companies including ThyssenKrupp, Rentokil and Uran, as well as co-founding the consultancy INCOFIS, which provides services for Gofluent, Safeguard Global Spain, Gas & Go Global Services and Dillers, among others. He has a Business Degree from Madrid’s Universidad Complutense and has completed the Senior Management Program (SMP) run by IE Business School Executive Education.

Crisalion Mobility CFO Alberto Muñoz-Domper said: “I am thrilled to take on the challenge of supporting and leading the department of a great innovator like Crisalion Mobility, not only because it has such a unique, promising, ambitious agenda but also because of the professional standard of its management team.”

Manuel Heredia, General Manager at Crisalion Mobility, said: “Alberto’s working style and extensive financial knowledge will be an enormous advantage in helping Crisalion Mobility achieve its goals, as we continue to deliver on our roadmap and remain committed to talent as the cornerstone of success.”

Vertical Flight Society to Hold World’s Largest and Longest Running Electric VTOL Symposium Next Month

Kim Stevens

The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) has announced that its annual conference on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be the world’s largest event ever on the emerging industry.

This 11th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium — being held Feb. 6–8 in Santa Clara, California, as part of the VFS Transformative Vertical Flight 2024 — is the world’s largest and longest-running event focusing on the incredible promise, progress and challenges of eVTOL aircraft.

The overall TVF 2024 event — which covers eVTOL, drones, helicopters, advanced rotorcraft and other types of advanced air mobility (AAM) — has a packed agenda with nearly 150 total speakers (in 3 tracks), plus 37 exhibitors, including two eVTOL aircraft on display. TVF 2024 includes the Society’s 6th Decennial VFS Aeromechanics Specialists’ Conference, which marks the 50th Anniversary of the VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter’s first forum on emerging aeromechanics challenges and solution methods for future VTOL aircraft.

“TVF 2024 will showcase the latest eVTOL developments and the challenges that remain,” said VFS Executive Director Angelo Collins. “VFS has been instrumental in bringing the community together and developing broad research, investment and regulatory support for eVTOL developments over the past decade. We are very proud of the progress shown by our corporate members, as well as our members in academia and government agencies, around the world.”

In aircraft development, aeromechanics encompasses the technical disciplines of dynamics, aerodynamics, acoustics and flight mechanics, all of which are strong drivers in the vehicle design process. Some 70 technical papers are being presented in areas related to crewed and uncrewed rotorcraft/VTOL aeromechanics, using conventional and/or electrified propulsion systems. This is the world’s only event focused on advancing the understanding of aeromechanics of helicopters and other vertical flight aircraft.

More than 600 attendees are expected to attend the event. Details, including the technical paper presentation schedule, invited speakers and the exhibit hall floor plan, are posted at www.vtol.org/TVF2024.

TVF 2024 features a half-day opening plenary session with more than 15 leaders from industry, academia and government addressing developments in both aeromechanics and eVTOL aircraft. Plenary speakers represent the US Army and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), ONERA — The French Aerospace Lab, universities from the Netherlands and Singapore, and top aeromechanics engineers at AIBOT, Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation.

The 11th Annual eVTOL Symposium then kicks off with VIP talks by Robert A. Pearce, NASA Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate; Howard McKenzie, Chief Engineer and Executive Vice President for Engineering Test and Technology, The Boeing Company; Dr. Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk Aero; and Daniel I. Newman, Chief Technology Officer of Honeywell AAM.

Other sessions include top executives from leading eVTOL developers such as AIR EV, Alaka’i Technologies, Beta Technologies, Dufour Aerospace, Elroy Air, Jaunt Air Mobility, Joby Aviation, MightyFly, Overair, Piasecki Aircraft and Pivotal. Government speakers include representatives from NASA, the US Air Force AFWERX, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

VFS has been the world’s largest technical community of engineers, technologists and specialists developing vertical flight aircraft for more than 80 years. A growing number of professionals are entering the vertical flight industry and VFS provides them with numerous opportunities to increase their knowledge and exchange ideas. In addition to the presentations, TVF 2024 also includes its annual Short Course on Electric VTOL Design, which has had a major impact on the development of today’s eVTOL leaders.

As of today, the Society has cataloged more than 950 different electric VTOL concepts from more than 400 companies and innovators on its authoritative World eVTOL Aircraft Directory at www.evtol.news. When VFS launched the site in April 2017, only a dozen eVTOL programs were known to be under development. Neary 200 new designs were added in 2023 alone. The site currently also hosts more than eVTOL news stories, including more than 380 in-depth articles from the Society’s Vertiflite magazine, the leading periodical on eVTOL and rotorcraft developments.

VFS has been at the forefront of what it calls the “Electric VTOL Revolution” since 2014 when it held the world’s first meeting of the eVTOL development community. At the time, the idea of electric VTOL aircraft was greeted with widespread skepticism, but growing technical progress, flight demonstrations, government validation and private investment have helped reverse public perception. It is now recognized that the vertical flight market is poised for significant expansion over the next few years as eVTOL aircraft enter service that may be better suited than conventional helicopters for certain missions, such as lower operating costs, lower noise and greater design safety.

VFS was founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943 by the visionaries of the early helicopter industry, who believed that technological cooperation and collaboration were essential to support this new type of aircraft. Today, history is repeating itself, with VFS playing a similar role helping to advance today’s revolutionary eVTOL aircraft.

VFS also holds the largest and longest-running vertical flight technical conference in the world, which this year will be its 80th Annual Forum & Technology Display on May 7–9, 2024, in Montréal, Québec, Canada: www.vtol.org/forum.

The Vertical Flight Society Selects Competitors for Annual Student eVTOL Drone Competition

Kim Stevens

The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) today announces the selection of teams from 16 universities to compete in the fourth annual Design-Build-Vertical Flight (DBVF) Student Competition. The 16 academic teams involved in the competition represent universities located in 12 US states, plus Canada, India and Malaysia. The selection marks the largest number of academic teams to participate in the DBVF Competition since VFS launched the event in 2021.

The University of Auburn team won first place in the 2023 VFS Design-Build-Vertical Flight (DBVF) Student Competition. (SURVICE Engineering photo by Tori Arcilesi)

The electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) DBVF competition seeks to encourage interest in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) technology, and small air vehicle design and fabrication. The competition is designed to develop hands-on skills and familiarization with eVTOL and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology at the university student level, helping to prepare the next generation of engineers and leaders to push the limits of this exciting technology into the future.

VFS will award a total of $5,000 to the highest-scoring teams next spring, following a flyoff to be held on April 10-12, 2024. The Society is grateful for the support of Supernal, a leading developer of eVTOL aircraft, and a Gold-level sponsor of this year’s competition. Other sponsorship opportunities are available; to learn more, go to www.vtol.org/fly.

The 16 selected teams are:

•              Auburn University

•              Case Western Reserve University

•              Cooper Union for Advancement of Science & Art

•              Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

•              Georgia Institute of Technology

•              Kumaraguru College of Technology, India

•              McGill University

•              North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

•              Pennsylvania State University

•              Texas A&M University

•              University of California, Irvine

•              University of Maryland

•              University of Michigan

•              University Putra Malaysia

•              University of Wisconsin-Madison

•              Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

The final selected teams will compete head-to-head in a flyoff at Harford Airport in Churchville, Maryland, from April 10-12, 2024. SURVICE Engineering is hosting the DBVF flyoff via its Applied Technology Operation (ATO) facility for the second year in a row.

The non-profit Vertical Flight Society is the world’s premier vertical flight technical society. Since it was founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943, the Society has been a major force in the advancement of vertical flight. VFS is the global resource for information on vertical flight technology. For more than 80 years, it has provided global leadership for scientific, technical, educational and legislative initiatives that advance the state of the art of vertical flight.

VFS hosted the world’s first electric VTOL technical meeting in 2014, launched the world’s first eVTOL eNewsletter in 2016, world’s first dedicated eVTOL website in 2017 (www.eVTOL.news), the world’s first eVTOL short course in 2018, and the world’s first hydrogen-electric aviation symposium in March 2022.

Air Taxis Could Help Boost Remote Communities, Research Shows

Kim Stevens

Growing support for the launch of air taxi services could help boost remote communities in Canada with more people considering moving to remote areas, if access conditions improve according to new research conducted by Pure Profile, an independent research agency.

Government data shows that roughly one in nine Canadians are classed as living in remote areas, which accounts for 74.6% of the Canadian landmass, and there is growing concern(3) about the long-term future of these remote communities.

However, a nationwide study by Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian-based innovative leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles, shows the launch of air taxi services could play a vital role in revitalising rural communities.

The research, which included the views of people living in remote communities, found two out of three (66%) Canadians would welcome the use of air taxis to address negative issues associated with living in remote communities such as poor access to transport, isolation, and unreliable supplies of critical goods and medical supplies.

Canadians in general are very receptive to the idea of air taxis or eVTOLs – 60% said they would be happy to travel in a regulatory agency approved air taxi and nearly half (48%) would be happy to use them as soon as they are commercially operational. Around 48% would be happy to fly in eVTOLs in other countries outside Canada.

The research by Horizon shows that the introduction of air taxis or eVTOLs could increase interest in Canada to moving to more remote areas – 45% may consider moving if eVTOLs were more readily available to enable travel and ensure a strong supply chain.

Regulators and eVTOL manufacturers and operators will need to focus on safety and pilot training if air taxis are to be seen as a viable mode of transport and attract customers. Around 70% of those questioned said safety issues are very important, while 67% stressed the need for well-trained pilots. Around 56% said cost would be very important while just 28% said comfort was very important to them.

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, said: “Properly designed eVTOLs could have multiple uses including urban transport, air ambulances, cargo transport, military and wildfire service use but in Canada they are particularly suited to addressing the issues faced by people living in remote communities.

“It is interesting to see that so many Canadians would consider moving to more remote areas if they could rely on safe and secure air taxi services.”

Horizon Aircraft is building an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that designed with a hybrid electric power system. The Company is designing the aircraft such that it could, after its vertical takeoff, re-charge its batteries enroute when it is flying in a configuration like a traditional aircraft. Their “Cavorite X7” is an eVTOL designed for longer-range regional passenger or cargo, as well as special missions. The Cavorite X7 aircraft would have a gross weight of an estimated 5,500 lbs with a projected useful load of 1,500 lbs. With an estimated maximum speed of 250 miles per hour and an average range of over 500 miles with fuel reserves, the Company believes that this experimental aircraft, if eventually licensed for commercial use, would be well-positioned to excel in medical evacuation, critical supply delivery, disaster relief, and special military missions.  The Company believes that the proposed aircraft would also be attractive for Regional Air Mobility – moving people and cargo 50 to 500 miles.

The Company is continuing the testing of its 50%-scale aircraft that it believes will reduce technical risk moving forward as it continues to develop its full-scale aircraft. Horizon and its flagship Cavorite X7 design has been attracting significant interest from within the industry and has enabled Horizon to win several grants and a U.S. Department of Defense advanced research and development contract award.

Volocopter Dazzles with First Flight in New York City

Kim Stevens

Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), completed its first flight test at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) in New York City (NYC) with its crewed Volocopter 2X. Hosted by the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the Volocopter 2X participated in the world’s largest and first public event showcasing multiple electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a city. Volocopter has now successfully and safely conducted flights in the heart of two of the busiest metropolitan hubs of the world, NYC and Singapore. The success of this flight is an affirmation of the company’s skillfulness to bring safe, quiet, and sustainable UAM to megacities worldwide.

With the iconic Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, the Volocopter 2X electric air taxi flew in a smooth and quiet manner. Volocopter’s multicopter design is particularly suited for urban missions, producing zero emissions in flight and little noise pollution in a busy metropolis like NYC.

As part of the public showcase, the City of New York outlined a new vision for the future of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, seeking to reduce emissions, noise pollution, and improve the residents’ quality of life. It aims to reshape heliports such as DMH to accommodate eVTOL aircraft to diversify the city’s mobility options to reduce congestion, while still meeting the transport needs of one of the busiest cities in the world.

“The Adams Administration has been a leader in driving technology innovation and economic growth while simultaneously improving quality of life,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “EDC’s new strategy for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport reflects these priorities while making it an industry leader in the embrace of eVTOLS – a quieter and greener helicopter alternative – while at the same time facilitating maritime freight with last mile e-bike deliveries that takes trucks off the roads.”

“A New York City flight has always been on Volocopter’s mind when designing an eVTOL that could be safe and quiet enough to fly its busy skies,” said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter. “Our flight in NYC proves that we have everything required to make this emerging technology flourish in this city. This event was an amazing opportunity to showcase how electric air taxis can elevate the quality of life in a city that never sleeps. We are confident this will open doors to air taxi commercial operations in more cities in the U.S., and we look forward to flying again soon in the Big Apple”.

In 2018, Volocopter conducted its maiden U.S. flight in Las Vegas. Since then, it has flown in Oshkosh, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Tampa, and now in NYC. Volocopter expects to receive a final certification of its commercial eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2024. The company is also in the concurrent validation process with the FAA, which was submitted in 2020, and has been working with both authorities to bring urban air mobility to life.