FutureFlight

To prepare its next Technology Development Plan for 2023-27, Piaggio Aerospace has worked on plans for hybrid- or all-electric versions of its P180 Avanti Evo twin-turboprop business aircraft. It has concluded that only hydrogen-electric propulsion makes sense, and that will require a new, larger airframe designed from scratch.

Amprius believes its high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries could transform the performance of new electric aircraft, including eVTOL models. It is looking to raise $430 million by combining its business with a special purpose acquisition company and then going public on the New York Stock Exchange.

Having parted company with prospective investor and launch customer Surf Air Mobility, Ampaire is opening the door to new investors seeking a stake in its plans to convert thousands of existing aircraft like Textron's Grand Caravan to hybrid-electric power. The company recently started ground testing its propulsion system as it prepares to start test flights in the second half of 2022.

Joby Aviation's founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt told financial analysts that reported changes to the FAA's for approving eVTOL aircraft and how they are operated will not delay anticipated service entry in 2024. The company says that it expects no change in type certification requirements, having had almost 80 percent of its means of compliance agreed by the aviation safey agency.

Boston-based Regent has drawn a commitment from Hawaiian Airlines to invest in and support the initial design of its 100-passenger all-electric seaglider known as the Monarch. With the equity investment, Hawaiian Airlines becomes Regent’s first U.S.-based design partner for the Monarch, which Regent projects will enter commercial service by 2028.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein told analysts that the company will meet its core objective of certifying a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft and launching air taxi services by the end of 2024. He indicated that these goals are not compromised by FAA's reported plans to change the basis for type certification of the new vehicles or the sudden departure of co-founder and former co-CEO Brett Adcock from the start-up.

Eve's leadership team insists the below-par response of investors to its SPAC-backed New York Stock Exchange listing has still generated sufficient capital to support plans to bring a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2026. Backed heavily by parent company Embraer, the group's leadership team say its approach to advanced air mobility is markedly different from rivals.

While hinting at some changes in its approach to regulating flight training and operations, the FAA insisted that its approach to certifying new eVTOL aircraft remains unchanged. The Vertical Flight Society and General Aviation Manufacturers Association have expressed frustration at what they view as ill-considered changes to planned rule-making.

Executives from Embraer and special purpose acquisition company Zanite rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on May 10 to celebrate the public listing of Eve Holding. Under the terms of the business combination, Embraer now holds a 90 percent stake in the new company while Zanite shareholders and several other investors control the balance.

Airbus has named California-based electric-motor specialist Magicall to provide the complete electric propulsion system for its CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aircraft. The company is aiming to start flight testing the first full-scale prototype in 2023.