FutureFlight

Skyryse's FlightOS automation system has been designed to support pilots in managing all aspects of flight control. The company says it will improve safety in challenging operating conditions but also enhance operational flexibility for eVTOL aircraft needing to fly in IFR conditions.

Starting in southern California, Personal Airline Exchange is using a mix of big data and a gradual approach to introducing new aircraft technology in a bid to transform the cost structure for on-demand, flight-sharing services. Operations could start in 2021, with electric aircraft to follow in 2022.

At least $170 million has already been allocated by the U.S. government for work to advance possible applications for eVTOL aircraft as autonomously-operated cargo carrying platforms. The U.S. Marine Corps is taking the lead in work that could result in collaborative programs with commercial eVTOL developers.

France-based VoltAero is led by former Airbus chief technology officer Jean Botti, who formerly ran the European group's E-Fan electric aircraft program. The Cassio I is intended to seat between four and nine passengers and be able to fly for up to three-and-a-half hours on hybrid power.

The Community Air Mobility Initiative wants to help the urban air mobility industry engage constructively with the communities they want to serve, acknowledging concerns and demonstrate public benefit beyond the richest members of society. It is stepping up engagement with local, state and national officials across the U.S.

Japan's Tetra Aviation won the GoFly disruptor award for their single-seat eVTOL aircraft. Windy conditions during the event at Moffett airfield in California on Leap Day (February 29) meant that it was not possible to evaluate all the entries in flight.

VoltAero's Cassio hybrid-electric fixed wing aircraft is heavily influenced by the Cessna 337 Skymaster push-pull design. It is being developed for a variety of passenger-carrying and utility roles and, according to the company, will take a little more than two years to complete type certification.

Property developers in Australia are being encouraged to build rooftop landing sites that will be ready to receive eVTOL aircraft when they win approval to start urban air mobility services. Infrastructure pioneer believes that Melbourne is well-placed to be an early-adopter city.

EHang says that unmanned aircraft like the 216 are especially valuable in avoiding unnecessary human contact that could spread the COVID-19 virus. It has been participating in flight trials in the Chinese city of Hezhou, flying supplies to the local hospital.

Singapore-based helicopter rideshare charter broker Ascent is holding talks with multiple eVTOL aircraft developers. It believes commercial operations could start in Southeast Asia during 2025, marking an important step in the charter market's efforts to be more environmentally sustainable.