Company Profiles

Joby Aviation is the world's most funded eVTOL company, developing a five-seat all-electric aircraft targeting commercial passenger service. They acquired Uber Elevate in 2020 and have a partnership with Delta Air Lines for airport integrations across the US.

Archer Aviation is developing Midnight, a piloted eVTOL aircraft designed for short urban routes of 20-60 miles. They have a significant order book from United Airlines and are targeting FAA type certification. Stellantis manufactures components for their aircraft.

The UK's leading eVTOL company, Vertical Aerospace is developing the VX4 — a four-passenger plus pilot aircraft targeting 200 mph and 100-mile range. Listed on the NYSE, they have pre-orders from American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic exceeding 1,000 aircraft. CAA and EASA dual certification is being pursued.

A Boeing subsidiary focused exclusively on autonomous (no pilot) eVTOL. Their Generation 6 aircraft is designed for fully self-flying urban air taxi operations, building on over a decade of autonomous flight testing in New Zealand. They are pursuing FAA type certification under the autonomous aircraft framework.

Beta Technologies takes a unique approach — building both a fixed-wing eVTOL (ALIA) and a proprietary charging network simultaneously. Their ALIA aircraft has one of the longest ranges in the sector at 250 miles, and they've already deployed standardised charging stations across the US eastern seaboard.

One of Europe's pioneer eVTOL companies, Volocopter operates two aircraft lines — VoloCity for short urban hops and VoloConnect for longer city-to-city routes. They performed public demonstration flights in Singapore, Dubai, and Helsinki. Facing financial pressure in 2024 but continuing development.

Lilium pioneered the electric jet propulsion concept using ducted fans embedded in wings rather than open rotors — enabling higher cruise speeds and quieter operation. The original company entered insolvency in late 2023; assets were acquired and a new entity (Lilium GmbH) was formed in early 2024 continuing development.

EHang holds the world's first type certificate for an autonomous eVTOL — the EH216-S, certified by China's CAAC in October 2023. They are the only company currently operating certified autonomous air taxis commercially. Focus on autonomous short-range urban mobility and low-altitude logistics.

Supernal is Hyundai's Urban Air Mobility subsidiary, developing the S-A2 eVTOL for commercial launch around 2028. Backed by the full resources of Hyundai Motor Group, they are pursuing FAA type certification while exploring synergies with Hyundai's automotive manufacturing and software ecosystems.

Airbus's urban air mobility programme, developing the CityAirbus NextGen — a sleek fixed-wing eVTOL with eight propellers targeting EASA certification. Backed by the full might of the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, with deep regulatory expertise and an existing global MRO network.

Japan's leading eVTOL startup, SkyDrive is targeting Japan's 2025 Osaka Expo and beyond for commercial operations. Backed by Toyota and Panasonic, they are pursuing JCAB certification for the SD-05 two-seat aircraft and have broader ambitions for air cargo with their SKYDRIVE CARGO model.

AutoFlight is pursuing a dual-track strategy — developing in China and seeking EASA certification in Europe. Their Prosperity I aircraft set a world record in 2023 for eVTOL flight duration. They've hired former Airbus and Lilium engineers and are one of the few companies with serious EASA Type Certification ambitions outside of European incumbents.