Excitement in the Air: The Future of Electric Air Taxis Takes Center Stage at Farnborough International Air Show
Key Ideas
- The Farnborough International Air Show might mark the last major European event without electric air taxis, with companies like Joby Aviation and Supernal making strides in the eVTOL sector.
- New eVTOL aircraft unveilings are expected soon, with Joby and Archer eying passenger services as early as next year, indicating a promising future for air taxis.
- Supernal, backed by Hyundai, is focused on scaling up production, leveraging Hyundai's manufacturing capabilities to potentially match automotive production rates.
- Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, is making progress on its air taxi prototype and aiming to convert its numerous tentative orders into firm deals, with a flight-test campaign planned for this year.
The Farnborough International Air Show is on the brink of a significant shift with the potential inclusion of flying demonstrations by electric air taxis. While eVTOL companies like Joby Aviation and Supernal are advancing in the sector, others such as Volocopter and Archer Aviation have chosen not to showcase their technology at Farnborough. Supernal, supported by Hyundai, is gearing up for large-scale manufacturing, aiming to demonstrate progress and engage with potential suppliers. Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, is moving forward with its pre-production prototype and focusing on converting tentative orders into firm deals. The industry is abuzz with excitement as companies like Joby and Archer plan to initiate passenger services next year, heralding a new era in aviation. With innovative technologies and strong financial backing, these companies are poised to revolutionize the air taxi market and make aviation more accessible and impactful for global populations.