FedEx and Elroy Air to Test Autonomous Hybrid eVTOL

FedEx Express is partnering with California-based Elroy Air to develop and test an autonomous hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for cargo in 2023.

Thom Patterson

Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 01:31 PM ET

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Chaparral is described as “the first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing aerial cargo system.” [Courtesy: FedEx]

Key Takeaways:

FedEx Express is partnering with Elroy Air to develop and test the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid electric VTOL aircraft, for middle-mile cargo operations beginning in 2023.
The Chaparral aircraft is designed to autonomously carry 300-500 pounds of cargo up to 300 miles, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and address delivery challenges in areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
This initiative is part of a broader industry trend where major package delivery companies, including UPS and DHL, are exploring eVTOL and electric aircraft to modernize logistics and enhance sustainability.

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FedEx Express is partnering with California-based Elroy Air to develop and test an autonomous hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for cargo in 2023.

The announcement Wednesday by the FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) subsidiary is the latest signal that the global package delivery industry is interested in exploring the potential of eVTOL and advanced air mobility.