Lilium, Archer, and Airbus are on a rising tide, according to SMG Consulting's latest assessment of the viability of new aircraft programs in the October 2021 release of its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Reality Index. In the case of the two start-ups, the credibility uptick is based on increased funding resulting from their recent Wall Street flotations. For European aerospace behemoth Airbus, the change reflects its unveiling in September of the design for its CityAirbus NextGen four-passenger eVTOL. Another new addition to the Reality Index is Japanese automaker Honda, which recently threw its hat into the AAM ring. However, Joby still remains firmly in the index's top spot.
Other regular features of the Reality Index include updates on funding, entry-into-service timelines, aircraft orders, and a map showing possible locations for initial eVTOL aircraft services.
SMG, which provides consultancy in the aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors, also recently published a research paper on contenders in China's AAM sector.