FutureFlight

Archer Aviation has publicly revealed its Midnight aircraft, the production version of the four-seat eVTOL air taxi the company aims to get into commercial service in 2025. Archer and customers such as United Airlines will use the all-electric aircraft to carry passengers around busy urban areas, including to and from airports.

Archer announced the selection of the Garmin 3000 integrated flight deck on the eve of its unveiling event for its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The company said it chose the system because it has been certified on numerous existing aircraft and is familiar to many professional pilots.

As part of the UK's Safe Flight project, GKN Aerospace has been evaluating a liquid hydrogen fuel system for an uncrewed air system to be used for search-and-rescue missions. The company says that by proving the fuel can be safely and efficiently stored and used to generate power, the project could support efforts to develop larger hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Archer Aviation, a California-based eVTOL air taxi developer backed by United Airlines, will build its first manufacturing facility near Covington Municipal Airport in Covington, Georgia. The company expects the new facility to produce about 2,300 Midnight eVTOL air taxis per year.

French aerospace giants Safran and Daher are backing a group that also includes Elixir Aircraft, engine maker Turbotech and hydrogen specialist Air Liquide in a government-funded program called BeautHyFuel. The partners are preparing to use the new TP-90 turbine engine to power its the two-seat Elixir light aircraft to develop more eco-friendly propulsion systems that could eventually use hydrogen for fuel.

German regional airline Evia Aero has agreed to work with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to develop a hydrogen-powered 19-seat aircraft. In a November 15 announcement, the companies said they are exploring plans to either convert an existing aircraft or develop a new model, with Evia provisionally agreeing to add 10 of either option to its fleet.

Electric propulsion startup Evolito is accelerating efforts to power new aircraft with axial-flux technology that it claims will deliver motors with exceptional power density suitable for a variety of fixed-wing and VTOL applications.

Washington state-based electric aircraft developer Eviation has received an order for 20 Alice all-electric, nine-seat commuter airplanes from Australian airline and charter operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS), the manufacturer announced Thursday. Eviation’s order book for its electric airplane is now worth more than $2 billion.

Ground infrastructure company Skyports and eVTOL aircraft developer Volocopter have opened a vertiport testbed facility at Pontoise-Cormeilles Airport near Paris. The facility is being used as part of an extended planning exercise to prepare for the launch of urban air mobility services during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and has the support of local officials and airports operator Groupe ADP.

In a letter to shareholders reporting third-quarter financial results, Vertical Aerospace provided an update on flight testing of its VX4 eVTOL prototype. The UK company has been drawing on its equity line from Japan's Nomura Securities to maintain investments in plans to bring the four-passenger aircraft into commercial service with a dozen prospective customers in 2025.