Following Airbus's 2020 announcement of its ZeroE hydrogen airliner program, DeHavilland Canada is set to become the second commercial aircraft manufacturer to deliver hydrogen-powered models off the production line. Its partner, ZeroAvia, says that, using its hydrogen-electric powertrain, a 76-seat version of the Dash 8-400 twin turboprop should be able to fly more than 500 nm (575 miles).

The Merlin Labs technology is intended to replicate the functions of human pilots, allowing operators to avoid the limitations on growth posed by an ongoing shortage of suitably qualified professional flight crew. Flight trials are set to be expanded next year, with Ameriflight looking to convert its Cessna Caravan aircraft first, and later implement the system for the rest of its fleet. The carrier will operate the technology on a semi-autonomous basis while waiting for the FAA to give the go-ahead for fully autonomous use.

Interior configurations for Eviation's all-electric, fixed-wing Alice aircraft now include an executive cabin with a lavatory and wardrobe to stow personal belongings. The model, which is expected to make a first flight this month, will also be offered in a nine-passenger regional airliner configuration, as well as for cargo services.

Volocopter says its VoloPort infrastructure concept provides a flexible template for developing landing sites for eVTOL aircraft in urban areas. In a new handbook being made available to partners, it maintains that the designs can be readily scaled to fit the local environment with space requirements starting at about the size of a couple of tennis courts.

A memorandum of understanding between Australian federal authorities and the state government in Victoria is intended to put more concerted focus into developing the country's advanced air mobility industry. Local experts, such as Clem Newton-Brown of ground infrastructure specialist Skyportz, say that the development of ground infrastructure must now be a priority.

Heart Aerospace's all-electric 19-seat ES-19 regional airliner is expected to enter commercial service in 2026, equipped with Garmin's G3000 integrated flight deck. The U.S. avionics manufacturer is focusing on new electric aircraft, and its system, which has also been selected for Joby's eVTOL aircraft, includes high-resolution flight displays and touchscreen controllers.

A new investment in BAE Systems’ bus and marine vessel electrification facility upgrades energy storage, controls, and power conversion systems for aviation applications. The aerospace and defense group's expanded facility in New York state will have greater capability for developing and manufacturing electric systems and will include a new laboratory focused on energy, storage, controls, and power conversion technology.

Ahead of its anticipated share flotation on the New York Stock Exchange this week, Vertical Aerospace released a preview of its VA-X4 eVTOL prototype. The video shows close-ups of the four-passenger aircraft at an undisclosed location in the UK where it is expected to start flight testing in 2022. Though this milestone had been expected before the end of 2021, with some time being lost to a delay with production tooling, the company says it is on track to achieve type certification and the start of commercial operations in 2024. The footage provides the closest look yet at the high-aspect-ratio fixed-wing design with its tilting forward rotors that support its anticipated range of 100-plus miles and speeds of 200 mph, as well as its rear, stowable vertical lift rotors. This initial X4 prototype will first take to the air with an interim set of motors, as Rolls-Royce finalizes the development of its bespoke electric propulsion system, which will be more powerful and lighter than the first test unit.

Archer is one of half a dozen or so start-ups leading the pack in seeking to bring its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2024. The program is well funded by capital raised through a merger with special purpose acquisition group Atlas Crest Investment and subsequent $847 million equity flotation on the New York Stock Exchange completed in September 2021.