Eve Air Mobility’s electric planes can take off and land vertically like helicopters .
The American airline United Airlines looks beyond the classic transport of passengers by plane and points to air taxis .
United Airlines announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility , an aviation startup from Brazilian planemaker Embraer.
As part of the deal, United Airlines will buy 200 of Eve ‘s electric air taxis , which are capable of carrying up to four passengers. The purchase could amount to 400 units.
These types of aircraft , known as eVTOL, are capable of taking off and landing vertically like helicopters.
Eve ‘s electric air taxis have an estimated range of 60 miles or 96.5 kilometers.
United Airlines set unclear targets for Eve Air Mobility , stating that it entered into a “conditional purchase agreement.”
The first Eve air taxis are expected to be delivered in 2026. The regulatory framework allowing their use by United States authorities is also pending .
Supersonic planes could return soon
United Airlines also has an order for 15 Overture supersonic jets from the company Boom Supersonic .
The purchase, announced in 2021, could be extended to 50 units. In this case, it is also subject to the approval of the competent authorities.
American Airlines also joined the airlines betting on supersonic aircraft, reserving 20 aircraft from Boom Supersonic . The purchase is non-refundable, so the confidence in this technology is evident. The airline could even double its order to 40 planes.