Vertiko Mobility intends to deploy at least 70 of Jaunt Air Mobility’s Journey eVTOL aircraft as part of its plan to launch air taxi services across the Canadian province of Quebec in 2026. The companies announced the signing of a letter of intent on June 1, based on the goal of firming up a contract during the second quarter of 2025, with the four-passenger vehicle expected to complete type certification that year.
In preparation for the planned services, Vertiko, which was formed last year, is developing plans for a network of vertiports across Quebec. Its provisional agreement with Jaunt covers 70 of the all-electric versions of the Journey aircraft, plus a pair of a planned hybrid-electric version, and options for 25 additional units. The all-electric aircraft is expected to have a range of around 80 miles at speeds of 175 mph, with the hybrid version being able to fly up to around 120 miles.
Under the proposed partnership, U.S.-headquartered Jaunt, which has now based its design and manufacturing operations in Montreal, will provide pilot training and aircraft maintenance support. The company says that between the envisaged contract signing in 2025 and the launch of operations the following year, it will train 36 pilots to fly the first nine aircraft in the Vertiko fleet.
According to Vertiko, an initial five vertiports need to be built between now and March 2025. It has issued calls for construction companies to express interest in this task, with groups including Icar, Odea Montreal, and Val-d’Or having responded so far.
Jaunt aims to start test flights with a full-scale prototype in 2023. The company says that the new design, which is based on its patented Slowed Rotor Compound technology, will meet the certification requirements of FAA Part 29 (and Canadian Part 529) rules covering existing rotorcraft.
“It is the desire to develop an unknown market with our own rules of the game that is at the origin of Vertiko Mobility,” said the start-up’s president, John Valley.
In March, Jaunt became a wholly owned subsidiary of the advanced air mobility group Airo, as part of an ongoing process of combining the various Airo Group businesses. This deal was first announced in October 2021, at which time the companies indicated their intention to seek an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.
In April, Jaunt attracted two new private investors. Former Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu and technology investor Mitch Gerber made undisclosed investments in the company and joined its group of advisors.
