Wisk Aero says that the design for an eVTOL passenger aircraft unveiled by Archer Aviation in February 2021 was based on a design for which it filed a confidential patent application in January 2020. Its lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop Archer from using its intellectual property.

In 2024, UPS will start integrating Beta Technologies' all-electric Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft into its fleet. The package-delivery giant—which is Beta's third customer, following earlier commitments from United Therapeutics and the U.S. Air Force—will also use the company's battery recharging units.

While new concepts such as simplified vehicle operations have clear potential to support the unprecedented scale-up in flight operations envisaged by advanced air mobility pioneers, initial services are likely to be based on a conservative foundation of existing safety practices. FutureFlight surveyed some of the front runners among eVTOL aircraft developers to gauge their preparations for launching operations.

Bell is continuing development work with its Nexus 4X passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft and the cargo-carrying Autonomous Pod Transport. However, the company has indicated that both designs are still being defined and has not confirmed any timeline for possible service entry.

The U.S. Air Force's AFWERX program has contracted with Transcend Air and Auburn University to develop flight control software that would enable the Vy 400 VTOL aircraft to replace helicopters in military resupply and emergency evacuation missions. This would involve operating just above the terrain contours in "nap of the earth" mode at speeds of up to around 405 mph.

Pipistrel's selection of more of Honeywell Aerospace's avionics technology follows its choice of the company's new compact fly-by-wire system for the Nuuva V300 unmanned aerial vehicle. Honeywell is pursuing new applications for its flight deck and propulsion systems in the advanced air mobility sector.

Unlike noisier, self-promoting rivals among the eVTOL aircraft pioneers, Beta Technologies has not sought any public attention for its work on the Alia 250 model. In fact, the company seems to have gone out of its way to avoid any limelight or scrutiny. This approach is made easier by its somewhat remote headquarters at Burlington in northern Vermont and its flight test base at Plattsburgh in upstate New York, just across Lake Champlain.

Flight testing has been in progress since early in 2020. One of the few reporters to have had any direct access to the program is Eric Adams, who is also an accomplished photographer and video producer. Last month, he posted a documentary video that provides unprecedented insights into Beta’s plans for the Alia 250 and how it evolved from the earlier Ava technology demonstrator. The video includes interviews with Beta Technologies founder, CEO, and chief test pilot Kyle Clark.

Flight-test footage shows the all-electric Alia 250 operating with just its rear pusher propeller since the top-mounted rotors to support vertical takeoff and landing are not expected to be installed until later this year. The Beta team recently achieved a first when they flew the eVTOL design between airports in Burlington and Plattsburgh, with special clearance from the FAA.

Since publishing the video, Adams has joined the communications team with rival eVTOL developer Joby Aviation. So, perhaps we can now expect to see more compelling insights into Joby’s program.

Transcend intends its Vy 400 family of aircraft to be used for both VIP on-demand transportation and scheduled regional service connecting city pairs.