FutureFlight

More than 20 experienced aviation engineers are moving from defunct supersonic aircraft developer Aerion to eVTOL pioneer Archer, which is working to bring a four-passenger aircraft into commercial service by 2024.

The Brazil-based eVTOL aircraft developer will work with vertiport developer Skyports on market readiness and a concept for operations exercises to prepare the way for eVTOL air taxi services in cities across Asia and the Americas.

Volocopter's 2X eVTOL prototype flew during the Paris Air Forum at the French capital's Le Bourget Airport on June 21 as part of the German manufacturer's support for plans to launch urban air mobility services in Paris.

Certain eVTOL aircraft developers have insisted they have no use for a customer base of private aircraft operators, and prefer to operate air taxi services themselves. But that could be changing as the aircraft get closer to service entry.

Announcement of fractional ownership affiliates of Jet It and JetClub as launch customers follows the unveiling of the eFlyer 800 in April.

The new Magni350 and Magni650 electric propulsion units provide lower and higher power ratings than the existing 500 kW Magni500.

The industrial software specialist GE Digital this week signed a memorandum of understanding to partner with Varon Vehicles Corporation in its plans to develop urban air mobility infrastructure and services.

Automotive group GM is providing its proven Hydrotec fuel cell technology to join forces with experienced aircraft systems integration specialist Liebherr to bring new hydrogen propulsion technology to the aviation sector.

The board of German eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium will be lead by former Airbus CEO Thomas Enders following its imminent completion of its planned IPO merger with special purpose acquisition company Qell.

Industry standards group SAE International will soon publish guidelines advising developers of new electric propulsion systems how they can adequately test them for durability and integrity.

EHang is providing support to officials in China's Guangdong provinces who are trying to reverse a resurgence in Covid-19 infections. Several of its eVTOL aircraft and drones are being operated from a base in Guangzhou.

Developers of eVTOL aircraft are among the aerospace companies being invited to establish test and development facilities on coastal land on the Kaitorete Spit near Christchurch on New Zealand's south island.

Local leaders like Mayor Barbara Tolbert of Arlington in Washington state are calling for collaboration to pave the way for emerging technologies.

At a June 14 press conference Xeriant and XTI Aircraft confirmed plans for a 50:50 joint venture to pursue type certification for the hybrid-electric TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft.

Brittany Ferries wants to start operating a version of Regent Craft's new electric sea glider that would be able to carry between 50 and 150 passengers on popular routes between France and the UK.

The new ARP8689 document from SAE International is intended to help electric propulsion system developers meet the requirements of regulators for durability and integrity.

Ascent says that flights in the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft being developed by Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions will be offered through its booking platform in various Asia Pacific countries.

Vertical Aerospace is merging with special purpose acquisition company Broadstone, boosted by pre-orders for up to 1,000 of its VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft from American, Virgin and Avolon.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer confirmed that its Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions subsidiary is in talks to merge with Nasdaq-listed Zanite Acquisition Corp to advance plans to develop eVTOL aircraft.

Lilium's chief program officer and head of airworthiness have co-authored a guide to how the company is navigating the path towards type certification for its seven-seater eVTOL aircraft.