Published 6/20/2023

United Airlines, Eve Air Mobility to bring eVTOL flights to San Francisco

Eve’s efficient transportation option will expand electric air commuting options in the Bay Area after its entry into service in 2026.

Edited by: Grace Nehls

Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Eve Air Mobility (São José dos Campos, Brazil) and United Airlines (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) have announced plans to bring urban air mobility (UAM) to San Francisco by launching electric commuter flights throughout the Bay Area. The announcement is an important first step as both companies will be working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flights. The companies are also working together to identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for UAM.

“Our shared goal is to provide residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay area with efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the U.S.,” Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility, notes. “The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility.”

In 2022, United announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs plus 200 options, part of its strategy to invest in cutting-edge technologies as the airline stakes out is position as a leader in investing in aviation sustainability and innovation technologies. United’s investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the UAM market and Eve’s unique relationship with Embraer (São José dos Campos), an aircraft manufacturer with a proven track record of building and certifying aircraft over the company’s 53-year history. A key piece of the relationship includes access to Embraer’s global service centers, parts warehouses and field service technicians, paving the way for a reliable operation. Upon entry into service, United could have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by Eve’s service and support network.

Eve says its eVTOL will offer United’s customers a quick, economical and low-carbon way to get to its hub airports and commute in dense urban environments, as compared with conventional air taxis and other forms of traditional public transportation. Eve’s eVTOL is 100% electric and has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometers) enabling it to complete a variety of UAM missions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its human-centered design is also said to better ensure the comfort of passengers, the pilot and the community by minimizing noise. The aircraft features a lift + cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no components required to change position during flight. It will be piloted at launch but evolving towards uncrewed operations in the future. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

This June, Nidec Corp. (Kyoto, Japan), a comprehensive motor manufacturer, and Embraer are establishing a joint venture (JV) company, called Nidec Aerospace LLC, to develop electric propulsion systems for the aerospace sector. The transaction combines the complementary synergies and distinct areas of expertise of the two engineering companies to spearhead a new era of air mobility.

The JV aims to unlock new opportunities by providing an agnostic portfolio of products and services worldwide, driven initially by the growth of the UAM sector.

Nidec Aerospace will be jointly owned, with Nidec owning a 51% share and Embraer the remaining 49%. The headquarters, located at Nidec Motor Corp. (NMC) in St. Louis, Missouri, will be supported by both companies’ existing industrial footprint in Brazil and Mexico.