Blade and Eve, from Embraer, expand partnership in eVTOLs – 06/19/2023 – Market

Electric aircraft maker Eve and U.S.-based Blade Air Mobility are expanding their partnership to integrate Eve’s future vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) into Blade’s European route network, starting with France, the companies said on Monday. -Friday (19).

The new memorandum of understanding signed between the companies, which are participating in the Paris Airshow this month, follows similar agreements for the use of Eve’s electric vehicles in India and the United States.

Eve is controlled by Embraer and expects to begin operations of its electric aircraft in 2026, having said in May that it was “very satisfied” with the eVTOL development process as it progresses through tests.

Eve and Blade said in a statement that, under the new agreement, Blade will focus its efforts on developing practical applications for advanced air mobility, including identifying future routes in France and other European countries.

The companies did not detail whether the deal would include new purchases of eVTOLs by Blade, whose European operations include conventional helicopter flights between Nice and Monaco.

Last year, Eve and Blade had already announced an agreement to deploy up to 200 electric aircraft in India, after having also signed a letter of intent for operations in the US, a market in which Eve hopes to supply up to 60 vehicles per year.

“Expanding the partnership with Eve underscores Blade’s commitment to leading the transition from conventional vertical aircraft to electric vehicles,” said Blade Chief Executive Rob Wiesenthal.

Although not yet in production, Eve already has a backlog of around 2,800 eVTOL orders, with development supported by investors such as United Airlines and Rolls-Royce.

The company recently announced the first equipment suppliers for its eVTOLs and expects to begin building its first full-scale prototype in the second half of the year. More tests are scheduled for 2024.

Eve CEO André Stein said he hopes the partnership with Blade will allow companies to combine expertise and resources to make travel more accessible and drive improvements for the environment.

The development of Eve’s eVTOLs in Europe, the company added, is subject to receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals and certifications, as well as the signing of a definitive agreement between all parties.

Last year, Blade acquired the charter and scheduled operations of European companies Monacair, Heli Securite and Azur Helicoptere, a move it said was “crucial” to ongoing technical and commercial discussions with Eve.