FutureFlight

Lilium has selected supply chain specialist AJW Group to manage and distribute spare parts for the Lilium Jet, a six-passenger eVTOL air taxi that the German start-up aims to bring into commercial service in 2026. As Lilium’s exclusive parts distributor, AJW will play a key role in the manufacturer's aftermarket services business. 

Beta Technologies’ Alia prototype has wrapped up its first deployment with the U.S. Air Force, which is evaluating defense applications for new electric air taxis and eVTOL aircraft. The Vermont-based aircraft developer had its Alia prototype stationed for three months at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle, where the company worked with the Air Force’s 413th Flight Test Squadron to conduct on-base experimentation and operational training.

Thales is supplying an air data system including sensors and a computer, while Honeywell will provide guidance and navigation systems, as well as external lighting for the aircraft. Austrian aerostructures manufacturer FACC is supplying the horizontal and vertical tail, including the rudder and elevator. Recaro Aircraft is providing cabin and flight deck seating.

Eviation has shaken up its leadership team while the company’s all-electric Alice commuter airplane is undergoing a redesign. The Arlington, Washington-based aircraft developer has appointed Andre Stein, co-founder and former CEO of Eve Air Mobility, as its new CEO. Former Cirrus and Gulfstream executive Jeff Hurford is assuming the role of chief financial officer.

MightyFly has rolled out its latest rendition of its Cento aircraft, a hybrid eVTOL freighter designed to carry 100-pound payloads up to 600 miles. The company unveiled the third-generation Cento prototype on January 25 during a special event at its San Leandro, California headquarters. Earlier that day, the FAA granted MightyFly a special airworthiness certificate and a certificate of authorization permitting it to fly the experimental aircraft between the San Francisco Bay-area Byron and New Jerusalem airports. 

Archer Aviation and NASA are joining forces to test battery systems for eVTOL aircraft and potential space applications, the California-based eVTOL developer announced this week. Under a new Space Act Agreement, Archer will work with the U.S. space agency to characterize the safety and performance of the battery cells that power the company’s Midnight air taxi. 

Bombardier has named the first research partners for its EcoJet project, which aims to reduce business jet emissions by 50 percent through aerodynamic blended-wing-body (BWB) designs. The Montreal-based manufacturer announced Wednesday that it has enlisted two Canadian partners—the University of Victoria’s Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR) and Quaternion Aerospace—to collaborate on the EcoJet project.

Flight School Quadruples Commitment for Bye eFlyer Electric Training Aircraft

Joby Aviation is preparing to install its electric aircraft recharging system at the Kearny, New Jersey, helipad operated by its partner Helo Holdings, as it prepares to launch air taxi services in partnership with Delta Air Lines in 2025. The site is barely nine miles from Wall Street and a two-minute flight from Manhattan heliports.

JetSetGo is the latest would-be advanced air mobility operator to sign overlapping provisional sales agreements with multiple developers of new hybrid-electric aircraft. Electra, Overair, and Horizon have all signed letters of intent with the Delhi-based private aviation company but it remains to be seen which of their various electric and hybrid-electric models will end up in service across its Indian network.