Embraer subsidiary Eve has presented a complete full-size demonstration model of its Evtol for the first time. In addition, a customer from São Paulo has signed a firm contract.
Several hundred Evtol start-ups have emerged in recent years. The abbreviation stands for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing and refers to electrically powered vertical take-off and landing vehicles, often simply called air cabs. One of the better-known developers was the German company Lilium. However, it went bankrupt.
Some other large Evtol manufacturers have advantages because they are more broadly based. For example, the American company Archer is developing its Midnight model not only in a civilian version, but also in a military version - together with the United States Air Force. And the company Eve Air Mobility is a subsidiary of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, which is driving the project forward.
Unmanned test flight as the next step
Eve already exhibited a demonstration model at the Farnborough Air Show in summer 2022 - but it only consisted of a cabin and cockpit. On Sunday (June 15), the company presented a full-scale demonstration model for the first time at the Paris Air Show.
The first prototype is due to take off for its maiden flight in Brazil "later this summer", said Eve CEO Johann Bordais. This will initially be a remote-controlled prototype without a cabin, focusing on the technology. Construction of a fully-fledged prototype that is suitable for certification is also set to begin before the end of the year and is expected to take off with a pilot from 2026.
Six prototypes and one firm signature
"A total of five to six prototypes are required for certification," says Bordais. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. According to the manager, the production rate is planned to be "up to 120 per year" at the beginning, "then we'll double that and eventually we want to reach 480".
And there is now also a first firm customer: Revo, a Brazilian subsidiary of Portugal's Omni Helicopters International, has signed a binding framework agreement to purchase up to 50 Evtols from Eve. Revo currently offers helicopter flights on fixed routes in the São Paulo area.
