Eve Air Mobility and AirX Inc., Japan’s leading helicopter charter service, have signed a letter of intent for up to 50 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This collaboration signifies a major step towards revolutionizing urban transportation in Japan.
The initial order includes 10 confirmed eVTOL aircraft with the option for an additional 40. This will bolster the development and implementation of innovative transportation solutions within Japan.
AirX eVTOL Order
“We are grateful for AirX’s trust in Eve,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. “Their commitment extends beyond acquiring our eVTOL vehicles; they value our entire package, including service and operation solutions, and our urban air traffic management software, Vector.”
Bordais continued, “Japan has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to eVTOL operations. We are thrilled to solidify our partnership and support Japan’s vision for urban air mobility in the years to come.”
“Eve’s technological prowess is truly impressive,” remarked Kiwamu Tezuka, CEO of AirX Inc. “We are equally impressed by their dedication to building a comprehensive ecosystem.
Our goal is to transform the transportation industry, providing convenient and accessible transportation for all.”
“By combining our expertise, experience, and established business platform with Eve’s integrated solutions, we aim to revolutionize transportation in Japan by advancing eVTOL operations.”
AirX leads the way in pioneering Japan’s advanced air mobility sector. They also manage a digital platform, AIROS Skyview, which offers comprehensive charter services to the Japanese public.
Additionally, AirX spearheaded the launch of the UAM Centre, the first eVTOL test field in the Greater Tokyo Area.
This initiative represents a significant milestone in AirX’s journey towards achieving sustainable and accessible urban air mobility (UAM).
Asia-Pacific as a Key Market
The Asia-Pacific region is a key market for Eve Air Mobility. The company is actively forging partnerships and collaborating with existing and potential customers to introduce a new mode of transportation that will alleviate traffic congestion across the region.
Eve is expanding its reach beyond Japan, already collaborating with customers and operators in various locations like Australia, India, and South Korea.
Through collaboration with local partners, Eve aspires to co-create UAM ecosystems within each target launch community. Open information sharing is a cornerstone of these ongoing discussions.
The Eve eVTOL Aircraft
Eve’s eVTOL aircraft leverages a lift-plus-cruise configuration. This design employs eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight, along with fixed wings for cruise flight, eliminating the need for component reconfiguration during operation.
The latest iteration incorporates an electrically powered pusher driven by dual electric motors. This configuration prioritizes redundancy to ensure the highest levels of performance and safety.
The design offers numerous advantages, including reduced operational costs, fewer parts, and optimized structures and systems. It prioritizes efficient thrust while keeping noise emissions to a minimum.
Conclusion
In 2023, Eve announced the establishment of its first eVTOL production facility in Taubaté, Brazil. The company has initiated assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype, which will be followed by a comprehensive testing phase.
Eve boasts nearly 3,000 letters of intent for its eVTOLs, with commercial service anticipated to begin in 2026.
In tandem, Eve is actively developing a comprehensive suite of agnostic service and operation solutions, including their innovative urban air traffic management software, Vector, designed to optimize and scale UAM operations on a global scale.
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