FutureFlight

U.S.-based Hatzolah Air has signed an agreement with Urban Aeronautics to be the sales representative and distributor for Urban Aeronautics' CityHawk VTOL aircraft in the global emergency medical services market.

Lilium is further bolstering its senior management team as it aims to meet its objective of beginning commercial operations with its five-seat eVTOL aircraft in 2025. Alastair McIntosh's experience as an EASA-approved accountable manager will be significant.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has needed more time to finalize the means of compliance for the Special Condition VTOL rules that will apply for the type certification of many eVTOL aircraft. It expects to publish these, as well as means of compliance for certifying hybrid and electric propulsion systems, in early 2021.

French aerospace technology innovator Conseil et Technique is making the case for a radical rethink for the configuration of airliner propulsion systems with its all-electric Integrated Propeller Plane concept.

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.