2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

AirX plans eVTOL charter flights and sightseeing tours in Tokyo

Japanese Charter Service Signs Deal with Eve for 50 eVTOL Aircraft

Jennifer Meszaros

Eve showcases eVTOL mockup and virtual reality flight experience

Eve Makes Asia-Pacific Debut at Singapore Air Show

Eve Air Mobility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based private aviation group&nbsp;Yugo Global Industries to study the potential for urban air mobility (UAM) services using eVTOL aircraft in Southeast Asia.
Under the agreement signed at this week's Singapore Airshow, the two companies will focus on analyzing potential infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Southeast Asia, as well as examining regulatory aspects. The sizes and capabilities required for vertiports and service centers will be analyzed, as well as the requirements for ground handling and related aspects.
“We are looking forward to collaboratively working with Yugo to study and help define the UAM ecosystem in Singapore and Southeast Asia,” said Johann Bordais, Eve’s CEO. “Our goal is also to understand and define a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights in the region but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem.”
Eve, which is developing a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with backing from Embraer, has been highly active in the effort to bring UAM to the Asia-Pacific region, and the company already works with several key stakeholders. Incorporating future UAM operations into large airport developments stands as a key factor.
<h3 class="subheading">Manila and Phnom Penh Are Possible Vertiport Sites</h3>
Two airports in particular are under scrutiny: Manila International Airport in the Philippines and the Techo International Airport near Phnom Penh,&nbsp;Cambodia, which is set to open in 2025. The airports are exploring charging stations and flight routes for air taxis and other electric aircraft. Yugo partners PhilJets (Philippines) and Helistar (Cambodia) are important contributors to the studies and analyses.
In 2022, Yugo signed an agreement with <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-02-10/asian-flight-booking-platform-yugo-commits-electras-estol-aircraft">U.S. start-up Electra</a> to acquire 12 of its in-development nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft. This is expected to enter service in 2028 and will be able to operate from strips as short as 150 feet.
As the primary technology innovator in the region, Singapore stands to play&nbsp;a significant role in the introduction of UAM and can provide a useful template for other ecosystem developers. As an example, the OCIC Group that is constructing the Phnom Penh airport is partnered with Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines Engineering.
In the meantime, Eve claims to be leading the field in terms of provisional eVTOL sales, holding commitments for 2,850 vehicles. The company plans to begin flight trials with the full-scale prototype of its lift-and-cruise design this year, with service entry slated for 2026. The aircraft, which will feature eight lift rotors and one for cruise thrust, flies to a range of around 60 miles (100 kilometers) and a maximum speed of around 100 knots.&nbsp;
<h3 class="subheading">Japanese Vertiports Group Seeks Air Traffic Management Support</h3>
Japanese vertiport development and management company Skyscape has selected Eve Air Mobility to provide its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system for the advanced air mobility <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-02-18/skyports-and-eve-start-work-evtol-concept-operations-japan">operations concept</a> advanced by the Japanese government. In another announcement made during the Singapore Airshow, Skyscape became the 13th customer for Eve's Urban ATM system and its sixth vertiport customer.
Eve designed Urban ATM to provide scalable urban air mobility services for air navigation service providers, urban authorities, fleet operators, and other stakeholders. Services include UAM flight coordination, vertiport automation, airside support, airspace flow management, and conformance management.
Under the agreement, Skyscape and Eve will collaborate on several fronts, including promoting UAM in Japan while testing the Urban ATM software. They aim to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft with a focus on vertiport design, operation certification, and future autonomous capabilities.
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<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-caption">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Japanese vertiports developer Skyscape will use Eve's air traffic management technology for eVTOL aircraft operations. (Image: Eve AIr Mobility)</div>
 
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<figcaption>Japanese vertiports developer Skyscape will use Eve's air traffic management technology for eVTOL aircraft operations. (Image: Eve AIr Mobility)</figcaption>
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Skyscape uses a “building-block” approach to vertiport development with ready-made units to house various customizable elements for operations. The blocks use upcycled Conex containers and aluminum for quick setup and durability. Eve noted that it designed the approach to support a high number of co-located services.
“This agreement represents a key milestone for Eve as Skyscape becomes our first Urban ATM customer in Japan as we continue to grow our portfolio of vertiport customers around the world,” said David Rottblatt, v-p of sales and global affairs at Eve Air Mobility. “Japan has been very proactive and is a global leader in pursuing urban air mobility.”
Skyscape CEO Asa Quesenberry added that the agreement with Eve brings the company one step closer to making advanced air mobility operations a reality. “Our team at Skyscape is focused on developments that move the needle forward and get us closer to launching real AAM services.”
This story was updated on February 21 to add information about Eve's partnership with Skyscape.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Singapore Private Aviation Group Yugo Teams With Eve Air Mobility

Kerry Lynch

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Skyscape becomes Eve’s first Urban ATM customer in Japan

Skyscape Selects Eve for Urban ATM in Japan

David Donald

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The companies will study infrastructure requirements and regulations

Eve and Yugo Join Forces to Advance UAM in Southeast Asia

Eve Air Mobility this week named four key suppliers for the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft it aims to bring into commercial service in 2026. The company has begun assembly of the first prototype at its e<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-07/eve-appoints-suppliers-evtol-aircrafts-flight-deck-actuators-and-thermal">VTOL production facility </a>in Taubaté in Brazil’s São Paulo state and intends to start test flights in 2024.
French aerospace group Thales is supplying an air data system including sensors and a computer, while Honeywell will provide&nbsp;guidance and navigation systems, as well as external lighting for the aircraft. Austrian aerostructures manufacturer FACC is supplying the horizontal and vertical tail, including the rudder and elevator. Recaro Aircraft is providing cabin and flight deck seating.
The Thales air data system gathers critical data such as the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, and environmental conditions. It then relays this information to the pilots and onboard systems to support safe and efficient flight in all weather conditions.
Honeywell’s guidance and navigation equipment will include magnetometers, GPS-guided attitude and heading reference systems, as well as inertial reference systems. The company has supplied this technology, as well as external lighting, to multiple other aircraft types.
FACC has been given responsibility to develop and then manufacture the Eve vehicle’s horizontal and vertical stabilizer. The company, which is majority-owned by <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-07-06/how-ehangs-european-ally-facc-helps-extend-its-reach-beyond-china">Aviation Industries of China</a>, is already a key supplier to rival eVTOL aircraft developers EHang and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-07-18/archer-selects-facc-supply-evtol-fuselage-and-wing-elements">Archer Aviation</a>.
Germany-based Recaro produces aircraft seats for multiple types of airliners, including the EJet family manufactured by Eve's majority shareholder Embraer. It will supply four passenger seats and a single pilot seat for the Eve aircraft.
Eve has previously appointed suppliers including avionics group Garmin, Liebherr Aerospace, and Intergalactic. Other partners for the program include Nidec Aerospace, which is a joint venture between Embraer and Japan's Nidec, and DUC Hélices Propellers.
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Eve Appoints Four More Suppliers For eVTOL Aircraft

Private flight provider Flexjet has concluded a simulation exercise with Eve Air Mobility focused on how new eVTOL aircraft could be integrated with its existing helicopter and fixed-wing services. The four-day project was conducted during November from Flexjet’s Tactical Control Centre at the London-area Farnborough Airport, using the Urban Air Traffic Management software that Eve intends to make available to its customers and other eVTOL operators.
During the simulation, the cloud-based Urban ATM platform was used to “shadow” live rotorcraft movements as if they were eVTOL aircraft. Flexjet’s UK division operates 11 helicopters, and in June 2021 the group’s <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-06-01/halo-agrees-buy-200-eve-evtol-aircraft-urban-air-mobility-network">Halo business unit</a> made a provisional commitment to add up to 200 of Eve’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft to its fleet following anticipated type certification in late 2026.
According to Adam Twidell, Flexjet’s head of future flight, the company is in discussions with Eve about when and how deliveries could happen. “While a key Flexjet goal is to ensure our customers have access to the most safe and modern fleet of aircraft in the industry, it’s vital that the introduction of new technology is done at the correct pace,” he told AIN. “There are many aspects of introducing new aircraft into operation, from pilot training to maintenance support, so the whole industry still has a lot of work to do to prepare the ground for eVTOL operations.”
UK air traffic control provider NATS and the London Heliport both participated in the simulation exercise, providing feedback on how the flights were conducted. A team from Eve was based in the Farnborough control center to track movements in real time.
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 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Flexjet and Eve Air Mobility staff conducted a simulation exercise at Flexjet's Farnborough Airport base in the UK. (Image: Flexjet)</div>
 
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<figcaption>Flexjet and Eve Air Mobility staff conducted a simulation exercise at Flexjet's Farnborough Airport base in the UK. (Image: Flexjet)</figcaption>
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Much of Eve’s expertise in air traffic management is based on its connection with Embraer sister company Atech in Brazil. Eve has conducted similar simulation exercises with other helicopter operators in Chicago and Rio de Janeiro as part of the process of developing concept-of-operations templates for the launch of eVTOL services. One of these was published in the UK in early 2022, based on a joint exercise with NATS, London Heathrow and City airports, Skyports, and fellow eVTOL developers Volocopter and Vertical Aerospace.
Brenden Hedblom, Eve’s head of traffic management solutions, said that the simulation had allowed both companies’ operational teams to examine “the full user journey” for flights. This process included creating flight plans, checking airspace constraints and vertiport availability, and making contingency arrangements for situations such as diversions or the need to recharge electric aircraft during a day’s operations. The partners have also been assessing needs such as battery management, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and ground-handling services.
During the exercise, Eve and Flexjet were able to use some empty-leg helicopter flights to trial scenarios such as a possible need to divert to a small airfield like Dunsfold during a flight from Farnborough to Biggin Hill Airport. The companies are working on the assumption that, at least in initial eVTOL operations, they will not be able to fly in IFR and/or known icing conditions, and in these cases, the plan would be to switch customers to a helicopter at short notice.
“At airports such as Congonhas [in Sao Paulo] we have seen procedural limitations resulting from missed approaches [by business jets] due to helicopters flying across the approach path,” Hedblom told AIN. “We will require new tailored ATM services with new levels of safety to take account of eVTOLs and drones in shared airspace.”
Flexjet expects to offer eVTOL rides to customers in markets where it currently operates helicopters, including London, New York, and Miami. However, the company has resolved not to confirm specific routes or missions until regulations such as requirements for battery energy reserves covering commercial flights are fully settled.
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<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-caption">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Eve's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft could operate in the London area with prospective customers such as Flexjet. (Image: Eve)</div>
 
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<figcaption>Eve's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft could operate in the London area with prospective customers such as Flexjet. (Image: Eve)</figcaption>
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Also to be determined is the business model under which the eVTOL aircraft would be operated, with Flexjet offering a variety of possibilities including aircraft management, fractional ownership and leases, jet cards, and charters. The company has also shown interest in adding electric and hydrogen-powered fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet at some point.
In the aftermath of the simulation exercise, Eve and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-06-21/some-evtol-revolutionaries-may-be-moving-closer-business-aviation">Flexjet</a> will review the findings and discuss possible improvements for integrating the new eVTOL aircraft into the overall business model. One of the objectives of the Urban ATM platform is to maximize the utilization of aircraft and the anticipated new vertiports to drive down operating costs.
“We were delighted to provide Flexjet’s UK helicopter expertise and to play a key role in forging the urban air mobility ecosystem of tomorrow, helping to inform the movements of the next generation of vertical aircraft,” said Eli Flint, Flexjet’s president of global helicopter operations. “Flexjet is dedicated to advancing the aviation solutions that will meet our customers’ needs over the coming years, and we are excited by the potential of eVTOLs for seamless and sustainable electric short-range flights.”
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Flexjet and Eve Simulation Exercise Role-plays How eVTOLs Will Be Part of Private Aviation

Peter Shaw-Smith

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

India's massive population makes for an deal backdrop

Eve Air Mobility Eyes Bangalore as Launchpad for India Operations

Eve Air Mobility this week announced plans to launch eVTOL air services in the UAE and India through a pair of new partnerships launched at the Dubai Airshow. The aircraft manufacturer also confirmed it is working with the UK's NATS to offer urban air traffic management services to support any eVTOL operations worldwide.
Through its new alliance with Hunch Mobility—a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility—Eve is working&nbsp;to bring electric commuter flights to India, starting in the tech-industry hub Bangalore.&nbsp;The companies are working with local, state, and federal officials, and IT technology and service providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce urban air mobility services.
Bangalore, located in Karnataka state, has an estimated population of more than 13 million people. Eve expects the electric aircraft to significantly reduce the carbon footprint, noise, and cost of flying, making them more accessible to India’s mass audience. Other eVTOL manufacturers, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-11-13/archer-stakes-claim-evtol-markets-uae-and-india">Archer</a>, have also announced plans to enter the Indian market.
“This collaboration with Eve Air Mobility underscores the commitment to contribute to India’s growth story by addressing the bottleneck of road congestion in the country. We look forward to introducing eVTOL flights that will democratize short-haul air mobility by offering affordable ticket fares and zero carbon emission,” said Amit Dutta, director of Hunch Mobility.
The company’s four-passenger eVTOL, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-07/eve-appoints-suppliers-evtol-aircrafts-flight-deck-actuators-and-thermal">now under development</a>, would fly to a range of 100 kilometers (60 miles) and&nbsp;is expected to enter service in 2026. The aircraft features a lift-plus-cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruise flight. Initially, the aircraft will be piloted but longer-term plans call for autonomous operations.
Hunch Mobility has previously signed purchase agreements for 200 of the Eve vehicles. The partnership includes plans for a&nbsp;three-month-long pilot project that will include&nbsp;intra-city helicopter flights in Bangalore.&nbsp;
“This launch city announcement is the next step in a great relationship that Hunch Mobility and Eve have built to co-create the urban air mobility ecosystem in India,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility.&nbsp;“India is an incredibly important market for urban air mobility and our goal is to work with Hunch Mobility to provide residents with an additional efficient and affordable mode of transportation to ease commuting times in one of the most heavily populated cities in the world.”
<h3 class="subheading">Preparing Dubai For Urban Air Mobility</h3>
Meanwhile, under a letter of intent signed with&nbsp;vertiport developer KookieJar, Eve will&nbsp;support vertiport operations in Dubai with its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system. KookieJar becomes Eve’s tenth Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer and the agreement further marks the introduction of the technology in Dubai. Working with local partner Air Chateau, Sweden-based KookieJar is supporting&nbsp;the development of a vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a final approach and takeoff facility at Al Maktoum Airport.
Eve Air Mobility received a letter of intent from vertiport developer KookieJar to support vertiport operations in Dubai with its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system. Sweden-based KookieJar becomes Eve’s tenth Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer. The agreement further marks the entry of Eve’s Urban ATM system into Dubai.
Working with local partner Air Chateau, KookieJar supports the development of a vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a final approach and takeoff facility at Al Maktoum Airport. Plans call for a phased implementation program under which networks of vertiports would connect via Eve’s Urban ATM system as urban air mobility operations move toward commercialization in upcoming years.
“Urban air mobility relies on infrastructure within the lower airspace as well as accessible takeoff and landing spots—vertiports,” said Rob Weaver, Urban ATM global business development lead at Eve Air Mobility. “Eve’s Urban ATM solution provides an integrated suite of software that will enable an efficient and predictable eVTOL ecosystem.”
Eve works with Atech, Embraer’s air traffic control technology and system company, to support the development of the Urban ATM software.
KookieJar is collaborating&nbsp;with stakeholders in Dubai to map out eVTOL routes within existing VFR corridors that helicopters use today with the goal of introducing operations seamlessly. The initiative involves collaboration with regulators, customers, air navigation service providers, fleet operators, airports, vertiport developers, and other stakeholders.
Other eVTOL aircraft developers including <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-17/abu-dhabi-launches-evtol-air-taxi-plan-through-alliance-archer-aviationhttps://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-08/archer-plans-bring-evtol-air-taxi-services-india">Archer </a>and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-13/middle-east-aircraft-dealer-orders-10-lilium-jets-dubai-airshow">Lilium</a> are also seeking to get a foothold in Gulf region states.

Eve Launches Urban Air Mobility Partnerships in Dubai and India

Eve Air Mobility this week named three key suppliers for its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. In an announcement on November 6, the company said it will use Garmin’s G3000 integrated flight deck for the vehicle’s avionics suite. Liebherr-Aerospace will supply flight control actuators and Intergalactic will provide the thermal management system.
On November 7, Eve announced results for the third quarter of 2023, during which it had a&nbsp;net loss of $31.2 million compared with $36.7 million in the same period last year. Setting aside non-recurring warrant-related expenses associated with Eve’s PIPE investments for its New York Stock Exchange flotation and merger with Zanite Acquisition in May 2022, the net loss for the period ending on September 30 was $19.3 million.
During the third quarter, Eve spent $22.4 million as research and development work for its eVTOL aircraft increased, and through the end of September, the company had spent a total of $70.2 million so far this year, compared with $39.1 million in the first nine months of 2022. The increase in costs was largely driven by spending associated with its master services agreement under which it is jointly developing the new aircraft with Brazilian airframer Embraer,&nbsp;its majority shareholder.
At the end of the third quarter, Eve held cash, cash equivalents, financial investments, and a loan from Embraer, totaling $256.5 million The company has now received around $11.6 million of the $97.9 million available to it in credit lines issued by Brazil’s National Development Bank that were approved in December 2022.
The G3000 flight deck features large-format, lightweight, high-resolution glass displays that will be integrated with the Eve aircraft’s vehicle management and flight control systems. This is intended to give pilots easy access through touchscreen controls to the integrated flight management system, the navigation and communications radios, transponders, and audio management system, as well as checklists, charts, synoptics and full-featured maps.
Liebherr will develop electromechanical actuators for the fly-by-wire flight controls. These will be powered by the aircraft’s electrical system, with an emphasis on the design being readily configured to suit the small airframe and easy to maintain.
Intergalactic’s thermal management system will maintain an optimal temperature for all equipment, including the batteries and other electrical components. It will also control the temperature in the cabin.
“Each of our suppliers undergoes a very stringent review that evaluates not only the performance and quality of their product but also their dedication to continuous improvement and customer support and satisfaction,” commented Eve Air Mobility CEO Johann Bordais.
In July, Eve said that it would build the eVTOL aircraft at <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-07-20/eve-and-embraer-choose-site-evtol-aircraft-production-brazil">a factory at Taubaté in Brazil's São Paulo state</a>, close to Embraer's facilities. The company has started to build its first <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-06-01/eve-steps-ground-tests-preparation-evtol-prototype-assembly">full-scale prototype </a>and expects to start flying this in 2024. It aims to start delivering the aircraft to customers in 2026.
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Eve Air Mobility

News

Japanese Charter Service Signs Deal with Eve for 50 eVTOL Aircraft

Eve Makes Asia-Pacific Debut at Singapore Air Show

Singapore Private Aviation Group Yugo Teams With Eve Air Mobility

Skyscape Selects Eve for Urban ATM in Japan

Eve and Yugo Join Forces to Advance UAM in Southeast Asia

Eve Appoints Four More Suppliers For eVTOL Aircraft

Flexjet and Eve Simulation Exercise Role-plays How eVTOLs Will Be Part of Private Aviation

Eve Air Mobility Eyes Bangalore as Launchpad for India Operations

Eve Launches Urban Air Mobility Partnerships in Dubai and India

Eve Appoints Suppliers for eVTOL Aircraft's Flight Deck, Actuators, and Thermal Management

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