AAMI Weekly Newsletter, May 10th, 2024

Here’s a roundup of this week’s top news and developments in the advanced air mobility industry…

Joby Moves to Next Phase of eVTOL Flight Test Program

Joby Aviation has completed its pre-production flight test program.

The company is now focused on the next phase of flight testing, during which the company will use its production prototype aircraft to prepare for upcoming for-credit flight testing.

James Denham Joby Chief Test Pilot, commented; “Over the past four years, we thoroughly tested and studied our aircraft in flight, from precision landing and outwash to human factors.

“We often flew multiple flights per day, demonstrating our ability to fly in a wide variety of weather and operational conditions. As a result, we have the most experienced and professional eVTOL flight test team in the world, and I’m proud to be a part of this program.”

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Skyports to Develop Vertiport Network in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed an MoU with Skyports Infrastructure .

This MoU will see Skyports develop a network of vertiports to connect key attractions across Ras Al Khaimah.

Under the agreement RAKTA, RAKTDA and Skyports will collaboratively design, develop, and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s first eVTOL air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027.

Duncan Walker , CEO and founder of Skyports, commented; “We are eager to join forces with the leading transport and tourism organizations in Ras Al Khaimah to launch electric air taxi services in the Emirate.

“This collaboration further underscores our commitment to providing the essential enabling infrastructure for zero-emission aviation across the UAE. We look forward to contributing our expertise to realize Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious transport and tourism goals.”

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Pivotal eVTOL Wins Design Award

Pivotal has won the 2024 MUSE Transportation Design of the Year Award for the Helix eVTOL.

Pivotal also received a Platinum 2024 MUSE Design Award for technical and creative excellence.

Ken Karklin , Pivotal CEO, said; “Receiving the MUSE Transportation Design of the Year Award reflects our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the development of light eVTOL aircraft.

“This recognition reaffirms that we are leading a sea change in the world of transportation. The market is ready, our technology is real, and our aircraft delivers the beauty and freedom of personal flight to a growing number of people with a passion for flying.”

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Eve Named Member of Japan’s AAM Public-Private Committee

Eve Air Mobility has been named a member of Japan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Public-Private Committee.?

The committee is responsible to evaluate and make recommendations to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism on AAM regulations & policies for Japan.

Johann C. Bordais , CEO of Eve Air Mobility, said; “The Japanese government and the private sector have been proactive in working together to develop the Advanced Air Mobility market and clarify the regulatory framework needed to make it a reality.

“We are honored to become a member of the Japan AAM Public-Private Committee and help advance this work. We look forward to helping understand and define a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights in Japan, but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem.”

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EHang Completes Passenger-Carrying eVTOL Demonstration Flight in UAE

EHang (NASDAQ: EH) ’s EH216-S pilotless eVTOL has completed its first passenger-carrying demo flight in Abu Dhabi.?

Additionally, the EH216-F (for high-rise firefighting) and EH216-L (for aerial logistics) made their debut flights in the UAE, showcasing a diverse range of UAM use scenarios of pilotless eVTOL aircraft.

The EH216 series pilotless eVTOL aircraft, including the EH216-S, EH216-L and EH216-F, performed several autonomous flights at the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club in Al Ali, Abu Dhabi with the approval by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE.

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