FutureFlight

The FAA's long-awaited Remote Identification rule for unmanned aircraft is viewed as an important benchmark for the operation of autonomous aircraft in public airspace. On the same day, the agency cleared the way for small drone flights at night and over people.

Through a partnership with Greenland Hong Kong, EHang will initially offer aerial sightseeing services to passengers initially from a base in the Forest Lake real estate project in the city of Zhaoqing in China's Guangdong province. The Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer also has welcomed the country's new standards for express delivery services using unmanned aircraft.

Over the 12 months since aircraft engines group Rolls-Royce completed its acquisition of the Siemens eAircraft business, the company has been determining how best to advance and apply its electric- and hybrid-propulsion technology. Smaller regional airliners would appear to be the priority in development work backed by UK government funding.

Further support from the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program has boosted California-based start-up Elroy Air in its goal of having the hybrid-electric Chaparral cargo transport ready to begin autonomous commercial operations in 2023.

Xwing has established a Part 135 commercial cargo operation to support the development of its Autoflight system. The company aims to be ready to operate aircraft like the Cessna Grand Caravan in autonomous freight delivery services by 2022.

Airservices Australia and EmbraerX spinoff Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions provided more details about their collaboration on developing urban air mobility (UAM) services in Melbourne Australia, as outlined in their recently released concept of operations (CONOPS) for the UAM market. Melbourne offers unique air traffic challenges but is also one of the world’s cities, like Sao Paulo, Brazil, where high levels of helicopter traffic provide a framework for UAM operations.

Aeristech is building a new electric motor development and test facility in the UK, having just been awarded £2.7 million in funding from the government-backed Aerospace Technology Institute.

Europe's Modular Approach to Hybrid Electric Propulsion Architecture consortium has brought together academics and private ventures like Slovenian light aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel and German hydrogen storage specialist H2FLy.

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti has brought together the Californian city's Department of Transportation and Urban Movement Labs to advance plans through the new Urban Air Mobility Partnership. The group has been given a year to come up with "a policy toolkit" to establish the infrastructure required for eVTOL air taxi services.

Hybrid-electric propulsion specialist VerdeGo is helping Jaunt Air Mobility expand the range of its planned eVTOL aircraft family. Its diesel-based generator will be able to run on standard Jet-A fuel, but with 40 percent lower consumption and carbon dioxide emissions than existing turbine aircraft.