Private eVTOL Startup Air Signs UAS Traffic Management Deal

Israel-based company represents one of a handful of firms that are producing eVTOLs for personal use.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 02:30 PM ET

Verified

Air’s Air One prototype makes its first transition to cruise flight. [Courtesy: Air]

Key Takeaways:

Air is developing Air One, a personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for private use, envisioning takeoffs and landings directly from users' homes, differing from the typical air taxi model.
The company has partnered with High Lander to provide unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM) services for Air One, aiming to address the amplified safety and regulatory challenges posed by its free-roaming operational model.
Air is actively pursuing FAA G-1 certification in the U.S., has completed initial flight tests, and accepted pre-orders for a planned late 2024 delivery, though further hurdles like standardized eVTOL pilot certification remain.

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If firms like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are to be believed, the U.S. will have electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis buzzing in its airspace by 2025. But there’s another kind of eVTOL aircraft under development.

Israel-based startup Air is one of a handful of firms manufacturing the helicopter-like vehicles for private use. The company has been quiet for a few months. But on Monday, it announced a partnership with another Israeli firm, High Lander, to provide unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM) services for its two-seater Air One personal eVTOL.