The year 2024 is very important for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Not only will these vehicles make their largest debut on record at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, where these aircraft will ferry the public to different locations in the city. But numerous aircraft are readying for operations globally after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regional aviation organizations are passing guidelines for flights.
Already just a few weeks into 2024, several vendors have debuted new aircraft and services in anticipation of these future events.
Xpeng Aeroht debuted its flying car at CES 2024 last week showing it fully transition from a driving vehicle to flight mode. Source: Globalspec
CES debuts
Supernal, the eVTOL division of Hyundai Motors, grabbed much of the attention at this year’s CES 2024 for its latest air taxi, the S-A2, an aircraft capable of cruising at 120 mph at a 1,500 ft altitude for city operations.
But it wasn’t the only eVTOL to debut at the show as Xpeng Aeroht showed its flying car for the first time in North America. This is a functional vehicle that can transform from a traditional automotive vehicle to extend wings out the back to transition into flying mode.
Polish aerospace vendor Sydron demonstrated its aerotaxi concept, which houses room for just two people. The concept aircraft was organized by Poland’s Investment and Trade Agency in collaboration with engineers from Poland and Ukraine.
While still in the development stage, the company aims for it to use the eVTOL for passenger transportation, heavy load transport and emergency response activities. The aircraft can achieve speeds up to 56 mph and requires a pilot license to operate.
An eVTOL that does not require a pilot’s license is the personal flying vehicle from Pivotal. Called Helix, the aircraft is starts at $190,000. While no license is required, there is a training program that is needed before valid operation. This is a single-seat vehicle, so it will be intended for personal use for a busy commute or for travel.
Billed as Poland’s first eVTOL, Sydron showed a prototype of the vehicle at CES 2024 held last week. Source: Sydron
Looking ahead
After the Paris Olympic Games this year, the next big event for eVTOLs will take place about eight to 10 months later during the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan.
Already, there are numerous air taxis and aerospace vendors participating in the event and prepping for air taxis to ferry visitors from key locations to events at the Expo. In 2024, it is likely we will see more announcements, testing and agreements happening as the country ramps up for the event.
Additionally, last year the aerospace segment saw giant commercial airlines like United, Delta and Japan’s Ana Holdings have all invested or bought air taxis and are working to establish routes in major cities for commutes. It is likely this year will see these agreements move forward with even some testing of the routes or the beginning of operations.
Other aerospace vendors are also involved in eVTOLs with Boeing becoming the sole owner of air taxi startup Wisk Aero last year. This may be another trend that continues in 2024.
