Xwing Says Cargo Operations Are the Fast-track to Autonomous Commercial Flights, But Passenger Acceptance Is a Long Way Off
Innovators like Xwing are focusing on air freight services to gain regulators' approval for flights controlled by ground-based operators rather than pilots on board. Earl Lawrence, the FAA's former executive director of aircraft certification and now Xwing's chief compliance and quality officer, told the recent Electric Aircraft Symposium that passengers are a long way from being ready to accept autonomous operations.
EHang Reports Progress on EH216 eVTOL Certification and Income from Preorders
EHang says that second-quarter revenues from preorders and early deliveries of its EH216-S Autonomous Aerial Vehicle have helped to sustain cash flow as it works to complete Chinese type certification for the all-electric vehicle. The company says it has resolved 13 of the means-of-compliance requirements and is preparing to demonstrate compliance to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Eviation's Alice Electric Aircraft Still on Track for First Test Flight This Summer
Eviation is still on track to perform the first test flight of its all-electric Alice aircraft this summer, company officials told FutureFlight. This would imply an anticipated target date for the Washington state-based company of no later than September 22.
American Airlines Places Deposit On Supersonic Airliner Order
American Airlines this week placed a non-refundable deposit as part of an agreement to buy up to 20 Boom Supersonic Overture aircraft. The deal, announced on August 16, includes options on another 40 of the planned supersonic transports, designed to carry between 65 and 85 passengers to a range of 4,250 nm. The sides did not reveal the dollar amount of the down payment.
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.