Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Announcements at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show
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FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 23, 2024 – The ongoing 2024 Farnborough Air Show highlights significant advancements in eVTOL technology and strategic commitments to developing the necessary infrastructure and market for these innovative aircraft. The overall order flow for eVTOLs at the Farnborough Air Show was described as tepid. The emphasis was more on showcasing new technologies and forming strategic partnerships rather than announcing large-scale orders.
Key players like Wilbur Air, Supernal, and Joby Aviation showcased their readiness to integrate eVTOLs into urban transportation. These developments at Farnborough 2024 mark important steps towards a future where eVTOLs play a central role in urban mobility.
Wilbur Air and Crisalion's Integrity eVTOL
FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 23, 2024 – Australian start-up airline Wilbur Air, a subsidiary of Skyportz, plans to operate 100 Integrity eVTOL aircraft developed by Spain's Crisalion Mobility. The companies announced a pre-order agreement for the battery-electric vehicles at the Farnborough Airshow.
Aircraft Capabilities: The Integrity eVTOL will operate at a range of up to 71 nm (approximately 130 km) and connect a network of vertical ports in cities across Australia. The aircraft features Crisalion's patented FlyFree propulsion and stability system, with four sets of quad-rotor units attached to a pair of booms on a fixed wing. This design aims to deliver more control and reliability than rival eVTOL designs.
Operational Plans: Wilbur Air intends to operate the Integrity eVTOL at up to 136 knots, providing services for passenger flights, freight deliveries, emergency service support, and tourist sightseeing. The company plans to build a network of vertiports in cities across Australia, utilizing existing locations such as car parks in some cases.
Certification and Entry into Service: Crisalion aims to have the piloted Integrity eVTOL certified and ready to enter service in 2030. To refine the design, Crisalion is consulting prospective customers and building flexibility to change the cabin configuration for various roles.
Partnerships and Orders
Business aviation group iJet has placed a provisional sales agreement for 10 Integrity aircraft, while Spain Euroairlines has signed a contract for 5 units. These partnerships demonstrate the growing interest in Crisalion's Integrity eVTOL and its potential for urban air mobility solutions.
Supernal's S-A2 eVTOL Debuts at Farnborough Airshow
FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 23, 2024 – Supernal LLC, Hyundai Motor Group's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, has unveiled its four-passenger S-A2 eVTOL aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow. This marks the international debut of a new mode of urban transportation designed to alleviate road congestion.
Key Features and Development of the Supernal's S-A2 eVTOL
Aircraft Specifications: The S-A2 eVTOL will cruise at 104 knots with a range of 52 nautical miles. It features a distributed electric propulsion system with eight tilting rotors, ensuring quiet operation and compliance with community noise standards.
Market Applications: The S-A2 is designed for various applications, including passenger transport, sightseeing, medical evacuation, and replacing helicopter ferry services. Supernal plans to operate the aircraft in early use cases and make fleets available to third-party operators.
Prototype and Testing: The engineering team is constructing a full-scale technology demonstrator, with prototype testing scheduled for 2025. GKN Aerospace has delivered the first composite wings, and booms are expected by the end of this month.
Commercial Operations: Supernal aims to commence by 2028, following rigorous testing and certification processes to meet global aviation safety standards.
Joby Aviation's eVTOL
Joby Aviation showcased its eVTOL aircraft for the first time in Europe. Despite the absence of specific order announcements, Joby's presence at the show highlights its readiness to enter the market. FAA certification plans are already accepted, and entry-into-service is expected next year.
Significant Collaboration and Infrastructure Development
Several significant collaborations and infrastructure development plans were highlighted at the show:
Eve Air Mobility and Siemens: Announced a partnership to develop electrical infrastructure for eVTOL operations in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of building a robust support system for future eVTOL deployments.
Supernal's Strategic Partnerships: Supernal announced collaborations with the World Economic Forum and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to promote advanced air mobility and pilot training initiatives. These partnerships address regulatory gaps, infrastructure needs, and public acceptance challenges crucial for adopting AAM solutions.
ZeroAvia and KLM Partnership
ZeroAvia and KLM announced a new partnership to work towards a demonstration flight using ZeroAvia's ZA2000 zero-emission hydrogen-electric engines for large regional turboprops. Key aspects of the collaboration include Identifying the optimal airport pair to conduct an initial A-to-B flight demonstration in 2026, Meeting regulatory requirements to fly and Ensuring a supply of liquid hydrogen fuel and relevant fueling infrastructure on the ground
ZeroAvia's founder, Val Miftakhov, remarked that this partnership marks a milestone for the future of flight, with the largest aircraft powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion system.
Multinational SAF Funding Partnership
- A multinational partnership led by Airbus is expected to be announced to fund sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects
GE Aerospace and Kratos Turbine Technologies
- GE Aerospace and Kratos Turbine Technologies signed an MOU to cooperate on developing small, affordable engines for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and collaborative aircraft. The companies see significant growth potential in this dynamic military segment.
These collaborations, spanning zero-emission propulsion, sustainable fuels, and unmanned systems, underscore the key sustainability and innovation themes expected to dominate the 2024 Farnborough Airshow. The event will likely serve as a platform for major industry players to announce strategic partnerships to accelerate the development and adoption of cleaner, more efficient aerospace technologies.
As the eVTOL industry moves forward, the announcements and commitments made at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show highlighted the industry's readiness to integrate these innovative aircraft into existing transportation networks,