United Airlines, the largest airline in the United States, stated on Thursday that it has paid $15 million to acquire a conditional prepurchase deal for 200 electric flying taxis being built by Eve Air Mobility (EAM), a startup formed by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer.
This comes a month after the airline paid a $10 million pre-delivery deposit for 100 eVTOLs being built by Archer Aviation, and also includes options for additional 200 Eve aircraft. United has ordered 200 in conjunction with Mesa Airlines.
Despite the fact that the eVTOL has not yet been authorized by aviation authorities, United anticipates receiving the first deliveries of the electric Eve by 2026.
Because of the absence of regulatory monitoring, strong infrastructure, and an air traffic management strategy, among other obstacles, achieving certification in the urban air mobility market will be a lengthy and difficult process.
It’s convenient because “you’re near to people and you’re close to buildings,” he said. “So, you’re facing challenges like, say, noise and light pollution. The business world must have all that in mind.”
“discussions focusing on enabling certification and validating new eVTOL aircraft, manufacture, continuous airworthiness, operations, and personnel licensing” have begun between the FAA and the UK CAA.
United Airlines Ventures president Michael Leskinen stated in a news statement on Thursday that his company has invested in two independent eVTOL businesses, making it the first large airline to do so.
When it comes to their goals of reducing carbon emissions, major airlines like American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways are placing significant bets on eVTOLs.
Airline and tour companies are expected to utilize the vehicles to transport people between city centers and airports, since they are optimized for usage at low altitudes during short-haul flights in metropolitan areas.
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