Podcast: How Joby And Unither Are Pushing AAM Toward Real Operations

Aviation Week's Graham Warwick and Ben Goldstein examine Joby Aviation’s piloted New York City demonstrations and Unither Bioelectronics’ hydrogen-electric Robinson R44 flights in Quebec as advanced air mobility moves closer to real-world deployment.

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AI-Generated Summary

The podcast episode discusses recent advancements in advanced air mobility, focusing on electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft and hydrogen-electric helicopters. 

The conversation begins with Joby Aviation's flight demonstrations in New York City, showcasing their eVTOL aircraft's ability to operate quietly and efficiently in complex airspace. These demonstrations highlight the potential for eVTOLs to reduce travel time significantly compared to traditional road traffic, proving the viability of the technology and business model. 

The discussion then shifts to Unither's hydrogen-electric helicopter project in Quebec. This initiative aims to provide zero-emission, rapid transport for organ transplants, addressing the urgent need for efficient inter-hospital logistics. The hydrogen-powered helicopter is seen as a pragmatic solution, leveraging existing infrastructure and offering a quieter alternative to conventional helicopters. The conversation touches on the challenges of hydrogen infrastructure but emphasizes the potential for hydrogen propulsion in specific use cases. 

Both Joby and Unither's projects are presented as promising early applications of advanced air mobility, with the potential to be profitable and beneficial in the near term. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of demonstrating public benefit and environmental stewardship to advance these technologies.

Key Topics:

• Joby Aviation's eVTOL Demonstrations in NYC
• Quiet Operation of eVTOL Aircraft
• Business Model Viability for Air Taxis
• Hydrogen Electric Helicopters for Organ Transport
• Infrastructure Challenges for Hydrogen Propulsion
• Public Benefit and Environmental Stewardship
• Early Use Cases for Advanced Air Mobility
• Future Prospects for eVTOL and Hydrogen Technologies