Not quite a helicopter and not quite an airplane, but a blend of the two, is what the FAA is referring to. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has drafted regulations for the operation of would-be air taxis, making the road ahead for eVTOLs to take off smoother. On 22 October, the FAA published the final regulations, which include certain additions to previously drafted provisions, including those on pilot training, to ensure that the so-called powered lift vehicles are integrated into the US National Aviation System and that future air taxis can operate properly in urban environments.
The GITEX 2024 technology exhibition in Dubai has once again showcased a variety of cutting-edge innovations, with flying cars and other personal air vehicles taking center stage. Among the standout displays were prototypes that promise to be commercially available by 2030, while others could hit the market as early as 2025. This year, the event served as a platform for futuristic technology that’s expected to revolutionize urban transportation.
The battery for Sora Aviation’s electric aircraft is already undergoing extensive development, showcasing the company’s commitment to ensuring that the vehicle will be not only efficient but also reliable when it enters commercial service. This advanced battery system, critical to the aircraft’s performance, is being designed to meet the unique demands of electric aviation, where both weight and energy density play pivotal roles in determining range and efficiency.
EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, announced that its EH216-S pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft system has obtained an Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (“CAVE”) from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (“ANAC”). The Company plans to conduct test and trial flights in Brazil to demonstrate the EH216-S aircraft’s cutting-edge intelligent flight technology and cluster management system.
In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the emerging air taxi market, Stellantis has committed up to $370 million to support the production of air taxis by Archer Aviation. This substantial investment will specifically target the manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, with production targets set at approximately 650 units annually.
The unveiling of Eve’s eVTOL prototype has generated significant excitement in the aviation industry. With nearly 3,000 pre-orders from various companies, the demand for these innovative aircraft is evident, even before production has commenced. This strong market interest underscores the potential of eVTOLs to revolutionize urban transportation and short-distance air travel.