Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has awarded SkyDrive 12.4 billion yen ($82.7 million) for the development of its three-seat eVTOL aircraft.
When Boeing's advanced air mobility subsidiary starts flying the latest version of its eVTOL vehicle, it will build on the more than 1,600 flight hours logged so far by earlier models.
Korean Air has signaled an intent to be directly involved in eVTOL air services with the resort island of Jeju, which is eager to use the new aircraft to help achieve its zero-carbon objectives.
The Houston-based aircraft management, charter and brokerage provider has agreed to buy five of the four-seat Pioneer Edition Lilium Jet on undisclosed terms.
The U.S. eVTOL aircraft developer says it may manufacture some of its Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi, where it will establish its regional headquarters.
Supernal is also talking to FBOs in the business aviation sector about plans for them to operate vertiports and provide electricity to air taxi operators.
The latest production milestone for the first prototype of the six-passenger vehicle, follows the recent completion of assembly for the first electric propulsion system and composite fuselage.
In early 2024, the company will start altitude testing of its one-megawatt electric motor generator as it continues work on a planned two-megawatt powertrain.
Work has focused on how the company's Remotely Operated Aircraft System could be used for large military aircraft, such as the KC-135 Stratotanker, in air-to-air refueling operations.
Having completed more than 1,000 remotely piloted flight tests with its eVTOL prototypes over the past 10 years, Joby Aviation has successfully flown its electric air taxi with pilots on board for the first time.
Elected officials. including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, addressed an opening ceremony on October 2, hailing the company's contribution to decarbonizing aviation.