FutureFlight

The new eVTOL Safety Leadership Group includes aircraft developers Joby Aviation and Vertical Aerospace, as well as prospective operators like Bristow, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Flexjet. It is has been formed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to develop best safety practices for anticipated air taxi and logistics services.

U.S.-based Airo will soon include two eVTOL aircraft developers, Jaunt and VRCO, as well as a group of drone technology and operating subsidiaries, and Aspen Avionics. It intends to raise further capital through an initial public offering in 2022 to support its ambitions to become a leading mid-tier aerospace group in the advanced air mobility sector. Jaunt plans to bring its five-seat eVTOL vehicle into commercial service by 2026, while its UK sibling VRCO is working on the Xcraft model, which could be used for both cargo and VIP passenger transportation.

Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding with several German government agencies to advance the research and development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the next generation of aviation in Brandenburg.

The growth of the eVTOL industry has resulted in increased membership at the Vertical Flight Society, which sponsors extensive programming in support of the sector.

German chemicals group BASF says its latest high-temperature proton exchange membranes could reduce the weight of HyPoint's hydrogen fuel cells by around one-third, allowing aircraft developers to extend range with greater hydrogen capacity, or add passenger seats and cargo.

In addition to the Spanish police force, the Polytechnic University of Valencia will also support EHang's evaluation of possible emergency and security roles for its EH216 eVTOL model.

Under a new partnership, satellite communications group Inmarsat will help Xwing to integrate the Velaris connectivity solutions already available for drones into larger aircraft to support remotely piloted commercial cargo operations.

The EleFanT project to develop a ducted electric fan is intended to support plans for an as-yet-unspecified regional airliner. GKN and its Swedish partner KTH will determine whether the new thrusters will be powered by electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The work is related to the H2Gear and H2Jet programs to make aviation more environmentally sustainable.

Vertical Aerospace's new chief test pilot, Justin Paines, has come from rival eVTOL aircraft developer Joby Aviation. The experienced military pilot will help the UK company to complete the development of its VA-X4 vehicle, which the company aims to have ready for prospective launch customers including American Airlines by 2024.

Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions has signed up several prospective launch customers for the four-passenger eVTOL it intends to bring into commercial service in 2026. Avantto is the latest of these partners and will help it to develop air taxi operations in the Latin American market.