The U.S. public-private eVTOL aircraft Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) will be challenging but also provides a key opportunity for advancing electric aviation.
DOT and FAA have selected eight pilot projects across the country to test operations involving eVTOL and other AAM aircraft under the new public-private eIPP.
Air New Zealand and Beta Technologies completed a demonstration flight program that tested electric aircraft operations in the New Zealand aviation system.
While commercial passenger services have yet to materialize, the defense sector is shaping up to be a more immediate market for advanced air mobility companies.
Beta Technologies used its first earnings call to send a clear message that it is shifting from R&D and prototyping to manufacturing conforming test articles.
Advanced air mobility startups are looking to defense for early revenues, so Electra.aero is forming a dedicated defense unit to pursue potential military uses.
Beta Technologies has selected Near Earth Autonomy to support development of its MV250 autonomous hybrid-electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing cargo aircraft.
Followers of the emerging eVTOL industry often speak of the “Big Three” Western startups: Archer, Beta Technologies and Joby. But should there be a “Big Four”?
