Joby Aviation has begun power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft, marking a key milestone in its final certification phase, with flight testing expected to start in 2025 and FAA certification anticipated in 2026.
Archer Aviation's 'Midnight' eVTOL aircraft achieved a new record by reaching 7,000 feet altitude during a test flight, demonstrating its potential for urban and high-altitude operations, with speeds over 120 mph and a range of 45 miles, marking significant progress toward commercial use and FAA certification.
Hyundai's advanced air mobility company, Supernal, unveiled its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the S-A2, with plans to launch passenger shuttles by 2028. The company has grown to a 600-person team and is leveraging the resources of Hyundai Motor Group and aviation suppliers to work towards commercialization. The S-A2 will undergo FAA certification and testing in California this year, with a design for suburban to inner city travel at 120 mph and 1,500-foot altitude. The aircraft is designed to operate at 65 decibels during takeoff and landing and 45 decibels while cruising, with a modular interior to accommodate future battery replacements.
Hyundai's advanced air mobility company, Supernal, unveiled its electric flying taxi, the S-A2, at CES, which is designed for city travel with 25 to 40-mile trips and could be powered by solid-state batteries. The four-passenger eVTOL is set to operate quietly and is designed to cruise at 120 miles per hour at 1,500 feet. Hyundai plans to apply for certification in the US in mid-2024 and begin flight tests by the end of 2024, with an official launch targeted for 2028.
Joby, a California-based company, conducted the first-ever electric air taxi flight over New York City, showcasing the potential of air taxis as a future transportation option. The company plans to electrify the heliport in downtown Manhattan, providing a vertiport for Joby and other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturers. Joby aims to make emissions-free flight an affordable reality for New Yorkers and plans to partner with Delta Airlines to launch its air taxis in New York City by 2025. Other eVTOL manufacturers, such as Volocopter and eHang, have also tested their aircraft over cities, signaling the growing interest in this emerging industry.
The Air Force has received its first electric air taxi, developed by Joby Aviation, for testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The aircraft, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, is substantially quieter than helicopters or planes and can carry one pilot and four passengers, traveling at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and a range of 100 miles. The delivery is part of an Air Force contract valued at up to $131 million, with the option to receive up to nine aircraft. NASA will also conduct research on the vehicle, as part of efforts to support the development of air taxis and similar technology.
Electric air taxi company Joby Aviation plans to build its first scaled manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, creating up to 2,000 jobs and kickstarting a new era in aviation manufacturing and aerial mobility. The facility, expected to be completed in 2025, will have the capacity to produce 500 aircraft per year. Joby's air taxis are designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a range of 100 miles and a quiet noise profile. The company aims to operate these aircraft as part of aerial ridesharing networks in cities worldwide, starting in 2025.
United Airlines and Archer Aviation have announced plans to fly passengers between Chicago's city center and O'Hare International Airport using Archer's 4-seater electric air taxi, Midnight, starting in 2025. The flight will take only 10 minutes.
Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan to launch the first commercial electric air taxi route in Chicago in 2025. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will travel from O'Hare International Airport to Vertiport Chicago, with enough room for one pilot, four passengers, and luggage. The service will be available through a mobile app for around $100-$150. Archer hopes to expand the program to other major metro areas like New York City and Los Angeles.
Chicago will be the first city to debut the first commercial electric air taxi route in 2025, offering rides between O'Hare airport and downtown Chicago. Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan to launch the service, which will take 10 minutes and cost between $100 and $150. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can travel at 150 mph and has enough room for one pilot, four passengers, and luggage. The service will be available through a mobile app and is expected to expand to other major metro areas like New York City.
United Airlines plans to offer electric air taxi service between O'Hare Airport and the Illinois Medical District beginning in 2025, in partnership with California-based Archer Aviation. The air taxis are expected to land at Vertiport Chicago and will seat four passengers and a pilot. The fare is expected to be competitive with Uber Black. The air taxi plan is aimed at providing an innovative and convenient form of travel and will help decarbonize transportation.
United Airlines is set to launch the first electric air taxi route in Chicago in collaboration with Archer Aviation using Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Passengers will be able to travel on Archer’s Midnight aircraft from O’Hare International Airport to Vertiport Chicago in about 10 minutes. The eVTOL is powered by six battery packs and engineered for up to 150 mph speeds, and operates at “pricing that is competitive with ground-based ride share.” United Airlines has made a series of investments and partnerships in zero-emission technology to achieve its goal of going 100% green by 2050.