Volar Looks to Commercialize eSTOL Aircraft in UAE

The Hong Kong-based firm is developing an aircraft-agnostic platform for on-demand, zero-emission trips.

Monday, April 29, 2024 at 02:22 PM ET

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The RX4E eSTOL, in development by Liaoning General Aviation Academy, will be the first aircraft introduced to Volar’s fleet. [Courtesy: Liaoning General Aviation Academy]

Key Takeaways:

Volar Air Mobility has partnered with Abu Dhabi's Inovartic Investment to commercialize zero-emission eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft, starting with the four-seat RX4E, in the UAE.
Volar prioritizes eSTOL technology over eVTOLs due to claimed advantages in range, endurance, affordability, simpler infrastructure needs, and a faster certification pathway, with Part 23 certification for the RX4E anticipated by year-end.
This collaboration supports the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 agenda and aims to enhance regional accessibility, eco-tourism, and economic development in the "Global South" through sustainable aviation.

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and other manufacturers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis have made clear their intentions to fly in the United Arab Emirates. But the country plans to introduce more than just eVTOL models.

Hong Kong-based Volar Air Mobility, a company developing a fossil fuel-free aerial ride hailing platform that will use electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft developed by a partner in China, is one of the latest to signal interest in the UAE.