Eve Is Flying Real-World Simulated eVTOL Routes

The Embraer spinoff predicts Chicago could support a fleet of 240 air taxis by 2035.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 05:23 PM ET

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Eve’s eVTOL air taxi is still under development, but the company is using helicopters to gather passenger data during simulated commuter routes. [Courtesy: Eve]

Key Takeaways:

Embraer's Eve is conducting simulated eVTOL air taxi operations in Chicago, partnering with Blade to use helicopters and augmented reality to mimic future flights and infrastructure.
The Chicago XP program aims to collect crucial data on operational requirements, infrastructure needs, and passenger experience to optimize the eventual launch of eVTOL services, projected for 2026.
Eve anticipates a substantial eVTOL market in Chicago by 2035 and sees the emerging air taxi industry as a new career path for pilots, potentially helping to address pilot shortages.

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Embraer’s Eve (NYSE: EVEX) is years away from producing a certificated electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, but this month, it’s been conducting simulated real-world test flights in Chicago using helicopters.

As part of its Chicago XP program running through the end of September, Eve and Blade (NASDAQ: BLDE) are flying simulated air taxi commuter routes from three Chicago-area heliports. On the ground, passengers can use tablets outfitted with special software to view how Eve’s aircraft and a vertiport would appear during future operations.