The eVTOL industry has reached a point where commercial viability hinges primarily on power generation systems rather than aerodynamic configurations. Although industry discourse frequently centers on the merits of multirotor versus lift+cruise designs, the true competitive advantage emerges from an aircraft's efficiency in generating, managing, and distributing power across its entire operational spectrum.

On June 17, 2025, aviation regulators from five countries released a roadmap that could determine whether urban air mobility succeeds or fails. The National Aviation Authorities Network, comprising the US FAA, the UK CAA, Australia's CASA, Transport Canada, and New Zealand's CAA, has published its "Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification." This matters because the low-altitude economy faces a critical bottleneck. Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft don't fit neatly into existing rules designed for helicopters and airplanes. The result? Every Western eVTOL company missed its 2024 certification targets.

As Advanced Air Mobility transitions from prototype demonstrations to commercial operations, staying current with essential publications becomes crucial for enthusiasts, students, and professionals seeking to understand the technical foundations, market dynamics, and operational challenges ahead in the Low Altitude Economy.

Aerofugia, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Geely, has secured a key Certificate of Airworthiness (CCAR-135) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification makes Aerofugia the first eVTOL manufacturer in China authorized to conduct short-distance passenger flights with a 1-9-seat piloted aircraft. This achievement marks a significant milestone in transitioning from prototype development to commercial eVTOL operations.