FutureFlight

The agreement between ZeroAvia and PowerCell will see production of 5,000 aviation-optimized fuel cell stacks between 2024 and 2028.

Archer Aviation announced on July 18 that it has formed a partnership with FACC “to fabricate and supply key fuselage and wing elements” for the production version of its eVTOL aircraft. The California-based start-up is developing a fully electric, four-seat eVTOL aircraft with a fixed wing and a tilting propeller system.

Joby is using the concurrent validation process to get its anticipated FAA type certification for its eVTOL aircraft accepted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and also by EASA. The company wants to see the four-passenger model operated in international market, either by itself or by operating partners.

The Japanese personal eVTOL maker SkyDrive has selected Toray Carbon Magic to develop advanced carbon fiber-reinforced plastics for the structure of its SD-05 flying car. 

Helicopter operator Babcock is working with Vertical Aerospace to evaluate how the VX4 eVTOL aircraft could be used for emergency medical and cargo flights. The operator appears to be following in the footsteps of its rival Bristow, which has already placed provisional orders for four different eVTOL models.

Helicopter operator Bristow may add up to 50 of the seven-seat Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft to its fleet as part of a partnership that will see it provide maintenance support for the German manufacturer and its customers. The deal is Bristow's sixth such agreement with developers of new electric aircraft.

Eve revealed a cabin mockup for its planned eVTOL aircraft featuring lightweight seats made from recycled plastic for the passenger cabin and single-pilot flight deck in a July 17 press conference at the Farnborough air show. Perhaps more significantly, the company also disclosed a redesign that sees a wing and canard configuration replaced by a wing and empennage combination.

The UK government has awarded a group of British aviation companies £9.5 million ($11.3 million) to demonstrate the feasibility of advanced air mobility in the country, as part of the UK Research and Innovation agency’s ongoing Future Flight Challenge. 

The luxury VIP chauffeur service Naylam Technologies has entered into an agreement with Manta Aircraft Italia to fly customers on Manta's ANN hybrid-electric vertical and short take-off and landing (VTOL/STOL) aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2026 or 2027.

American Airlines has reserved delivery slots and secured pre-delivery payments for 50 VX4 eVTOL aircraft. Meanwhile, Vertical has also secured a preorder from the European business jet operator FlyingGroup for another 50 VX4s.