Air Mobility Airo Group Prepares for Initial Public Offering
Airo Group, which includes eVTOL aircraft developer Jaunt Air Mobility, has filed a confidential S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to seek approval for an initial public offering. In addition to focusing on eVTOL technology, the company is involved with avionics, drones, and training.
Archer Completes Preliminary Design Review of Newly Named ‘Midnight’ Production eVTOL
Archer Aviation has completed the preliminary design review for the initial production version of its eVTOL air taxi and revealed the name of the new aircraft. Dubbed “Midnight,” the company says it is on track to enter service by 2025, Archer officials told investors in a quarterly earnings call on August 11.
Cranfield Aerospace Draws Fresh Funding from UAE and California-based Investors
The UK’s Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) has seen its current investment round increase to £14.4 million with a fresh funding injection by the Tawazun Economic Council of the UAE and California-based Motus Ventures.
Bombardier Probes Blended Wing Design As Basis For Green Private Jets
Bombardier believes that a blended-wing body design that forms a key part of its new Eco Jet sustainability initiative could be the right foundation for low- or zero-carbon private jets. In May, the Canadian airframer revealed a small-scale model it has been using for extensive flight and wind-tunnel testing as it seeks to refine the technology it views as integral to its long-term product strategy.
United Airlines Places $10 Million Down Payment on Archer eVTOL Air Taxis
United Airlines has reinforced its commitment to purchasing eVTOL air taxis from Archer Aviation with a $10 million down payment on 100 units of the initial production version of the aircraft.
Joby Expands Pentagon eVTOL Partnership to Include U.S. Marine Corps
The United States Department of Defense is expanding its contract with California-based eVTOL developer Joby, establishing a new partnership between the company and the Marine Corps.
Wisk Aero Launches Engineering Hub in Montreal
Wisk Aero is expanding its operations into Canada as the pilotless eVTOL air taxi developer steps up work on the sixth-generation eVTOL aircraft that it intends to be flown autonomously from ground-based operations centers. The company announced on August 9 new plans to launch an engineering hub in Montreal.
Bristow Orders Up to 55 of Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL Aircraft
Helicopter operator Bristow is continuing to expand into the advanced air mobility market with plans to add as many as 55 Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft from Beta Technologies to its fleet. The company announced on August 9 that it has placed a firm order for five of Beta’s electrically-powered aircraft with the option to purchase an additional 50 units.
NASA Partners with Zipline to Bring Advanced Air Mobility to the U.S.
NASA is partnering with the San Francisco-based drone operator Zipline to help shape the future of advanced air mobility in the United States. The U.S. space agency wants to harness Zipline’s experience with autonomous drone deliveries to “pursue a future vision of U.S. aviation that includes delivery drones and air taxis.”
Vertical Completes VX4 eVTOL Prototype, Plans to Begin Test Flights This Summer
Vertical Aerospace has finished building the first full-scale prototype of its VX4 eVTOL and will begin flight testing the aircraft this summer, the company announced in its first half-year earnings report for 2022. It also confirmed arrangements to raise up to $100 million in further capital through an equity subscription line.