United & Eve designate Bay Area as launch market for eVTOLs
United Airlines and the air taxi developer Eve Air Mobility want to launch commuter flights in the San Francisco Bay Area. Authorities appear already on board, and United says it is identifying the first destinations of a future eVTOL network.
While United has been working towards operating a fleet of eVTOLs for some time – more on that in a moment – the airline considers today’s announcement an important first step as both companies will be working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft flights. United added they were also working with Eve to “identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for Urban Air Mobility (UAM)”.
Further solidifying the possibility of seeing flying cabs take off and zoom above the Bay in a not too far future is that United Airlines is already a partner to Eve Air Mobility. The airline invested $15 million in Eve in the fall of 2022 and signed a purchase agreement for 200 air taxis simultaneously, including an option for another 200. Under the agreement, the companies already intended to work on future projects, including studies on an urban air mobility ecosystem.
United added today that the investment was also driven by Eve’s “unique relationship” with Embraer. As United points out, the aircraft manufacturer has a proven track record of building and certifying aircraft over the company’s 53-year history. “A key piece of the relationship includes access to Embraer’s global service centres, parts warehouses and field service technicians,” so United, which means the airline could have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by the service and support network.
Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines, added that Eve’s proposed route was a “critical first step” towards making an electric and airborne commute a reality for Bay Area residents.
“The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility,” added Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility. He further specified that the shared goal with United was to provide “efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the US”.
The air taxis on order are four-seater electric aircraft. Deliveries are to begin in 2026, which could also be the time of launch in the Bay area.
Eve’s eVTOL has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometres). It currently requires a pilot to fly, but Eve says it will evolve towards uncrewed operation. The aircraft further features a lift + cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no components required to change position during flight.
Apart from the Bay area, United is also part of an Eve-led consortium that simulates UAM operations in Chicago.
The airline also said it was the first major US airline to establish a corporate venture fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV), for investments in eVTOL and electric aircraft, hydrogen fuel cell engines and sustainable aviation fuels.
Apart from Eve Air Mobility, United reportedly works with the eVTOL start-up Archer from Califonia. The latter plans to establish a commuter network with United crossing from Downtown New York to Newark Airport. Lastly, United Airlines also invested in ZeroAvia in 2021, but in this case, United expects to purchase Zero’s hydrogen propulsion systems to convert 50-seat regional jets starting in 2028.
0 Comments