It’s an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, or eVTOL, and it could significantly impact the aviation industry.
For the first time, you can build aircraft that are not only low cost, but also really safe and really low noise
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation stated on eVTOL
Aircraft that’s going to create great utility for short distance trips. 30-mile trips can be completely carbon-free, vertical lift
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Venture stated on eVTOL
The first helicopter took off more than a century ago, so aircraft are familiar. The helicopter market is valued at nearly $49 billion, projected to increase to 74 billion by 2029. About 40% of helicopters are used as private air taxis, but their high cost has kept them out of reach of the average traveler. The introduction of eVTOLs may alter this.
helicopter is very expensive to operate for a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that they have multiple single points of failure, which eToro aircraft won’t; the electrification makes the aircraft safer, and safer aircraft also becomes less costly to maintain
Adam Goldstein, added on the transition from traditional to eVTOL
eVTOL to reach $57 billion by 2035
While the eVTOL market is still in its early stages, some predict it will be massive, reaching 57 billion by 2035. Helicopters brought great utility to aviation, enabling new missions previously impossible for fixed-wing aircraft. As eVTOLs enter the market, the electric revolution is set to reshape the industry.
Vertical TakeOff and Landing gives a really an unmatched capability. And this is absolutely essential when we’re dealing with mission-critical services paramedical reaching really remote areas, and this is a true value out of a helicopter. What happens when it becomes an eVTOL, it actually creates a new opportunity. And it also comes with some trade-offs as well
Balkiz Sarihan, head of UAM partnerships Airbus stated on eVTOL’s efficiency
The critical component that completely alters how these aircraft flies is electric propulsion. Another advantage is that these new planes will be simpler to fly. However, for the time being, helicopters’ power and capabilities remain superior.
Sara Dhariwal, Senior Aviation analyst Ascend by Cirium, stated, “Emergency Medical Services search and rescue. It’s law enforcement for those types of missions. You need to set payload, and you need a certain range to be able to do that. At the moment. The eVTOLs are very far from achieving that payload range combination
Sara Dhariwal, Senior Aviation analyst Ascend by Cirium stated on eVTOL’s efficiency
Airbus will develop their eVTOL
Airbus, which is developing its eVTOLS, says they will first use it for short-distance routes such as aeromedical, ecotourism, and scheduled shuttle services.
The eVTOL market is rapidly expanding, with an estimated 200 companies attempting to manufacture them globally. One of these is the Palo Alto, California-based startup Archer Aviation, which has taken a development approach centered on the shortest path to market.
The company has spent the last four years developing a Maker demonstration aircraft, and it recently unveiled its mass-production passenger aircraft at midnight. The vehicle is designed for a pilot and passengers and can fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, but it is intended to serve much shorter distances.
Archer reached more than $850 million in 2021
The cost of designing and building an entirely new aircraft is in the millions, if not billions, of dollars. To assist in financing its ambitious plans. Archer was one of the first eVTOL companies to go public in 2021, raising slightly more than 850 million.
It’s gonna take a lot of money to bring these vehicles to market. But thankfully, we timed it pretty well. And we were able to team up with some great investors that have supported us
Adam Goldstein stated on massive investment in eVTOL
United Airlines has two companies investing in eVTOLs. Another startup, Ev Air Mobility, along with United and Archer, recently announced plans to launch an air taxi service in New York City in 2025.
Archer sells aircraft in addition to operating a rideshare service. However, Archer must significantly scale up manufacturing to deliver on its promises. As a result, it has formed a partnership with Lantis, which has promised to assist Archer with manufacturing and to invest up to $150 million in the effort.
We announced last year that United Airlines will be buying some of our planes. Not only does it help us finance the vehicles and finance the building of this company, but it also adds an element of safety and trust into the equation
Adam Goldstein stated on United Airlines’ purchase
Georgia’first large-scale factory
Archer recently announced plans to construct Georgia‘s first large-scale factory at the Covington Municipal Airport. The most significant is regulatory certifying aircraft, which can take years even for proven designs. Archer says it has been working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate the process.
We’ve agreed to a lot of the rules with the FAA. And we’re going to start working now towards the testing part, where we are validating that we can meet those rules and meet those standards. The goal to get through certification is really centered around the end of 2024
Adam Goldstein stated on working with FAA
While eVTOLs may have some advantages, traditional helicopters are also looking to capitalize on the benefits of electrification. Infrastructure is yet another bottleneck. Electric vehicles can use existing helipads. However, new verta ports will be required to meet the high demand anticipated by the companies.
