Eve, Aviair, HeliSpirit, and Microflite Announce Partnership

Three Australian operators placed an order of up to 90 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in total to support urban air mobility (UAM) operations in Australia during the 2022 Singapore Air Show.

Aviair and HeliSpirit, part of the HM Consolidated group, signed a letter of intent (LOI) of up to 50 eVTOLs aircraft, with flights due to begin in 2026.  Currently, the operators have a fleet of more than 50 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.

Michael McConachy, Aviair and HeliSpirit’s Managing Director, commented “Eve’s eVTOL technology is well-aligned with our business model and desire to be at the forefront of carbon-neutral solutions for the aviation industry. The low-noise footprint of the aircraft makes them particularly well-suited to operations in sensitive natural settings, including national parks and World Heritage-listed areas, as well as for urban transfers providing quick and efficient solutions for both business and tourism travelers.”

Eve also secured another LOI with Microflite, for up to 40 eVTOLs. Aside from using helicopters as a proof of concept for future eVTOL operations, the partnership is also focusing on developing new services and procedures that will create a safe and scalable operating environment for eVTOLs.

Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve, stated “Our partnership with Microflite will see progressive commencement of carbon-neutral operations in the lead-up to first deliveries of zero-emission aircraft in 2026. We look forward to learning together and building safe and scalable operations with the support of local communities.”

Earlier, Eve managed to formalize the eVTOL Type Certification process with the Brazilian authorities and is also working closely with the FAA and EASA on its certification program.

The startup also says that it has nearly 2,000 LOI for its eVTOL aircraft, with a value of approximately $5.2 billion from customers including operators, aircraft lessors, and ride-sharing platform partners.