Push To Develop eVTOL Infrastructure With a myriad of eVTOL programmes in the works and at varying stages of development and certification the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector has been pushing ahead. However, it has not been easy with financial issues plaguing some of the top entities in this segment. For example, in recent times JetForums has informed you about German eVTOL manufacturers Lilium and Volocopter all filing for insolvency protection in the last few months. Chinese company EHang is perhaps the furthest along of the eVTOL manufacturers delivering a lot of their E216-S model to customers but still no air operators certificate (AOC) has been granted for actual operation of the craft.
So while there are hinderances and snags on the certification and operational side of the curve many companies including operators who are not traditional eVTOL manufacturers are shifting their attention to eVTOL infrastructure. This is a good path as well because even if eVTOLs became certified, where are the specialized hubs (vertiports) for them and charging networks. At this stage -in a broad view- there has been little progress on that front. However, JF has noticed a trend where companies are acquiring entities that specialize in Vertiport infrastructure, organization and charging stations.
Just recently, Atlantic Aviation which has no experience in eVTOL operations acquired Ferrovial Vertiports. Ferrovial is one of the leaders in the development of specialized eVTOL aircraft operations hubs. The operation will be rebranded as Vertiports by Atlantic and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation. This move is strategic allowing Atlantic Aviation to access the eVTOL market through the provision of Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure for future eVTOL operations.
EHang themselves are also focusing on infrastructure. EHang has been ahead of the game with the development of their eVTOL but they are now focusing on the eVTOL related infrastructure to go along with it. On December 27, EHang announced a partnership with China Communications Information & Technology Group (CCIT) to jointly develop infrastructure for the low-altitude economy. EHang said it would work with CCIT to build 100 vertiports for intercity and intracity transport, plus another 100 tourism terminals for aerial sightseeing tours, over the next three years.
Downtown Skyport is now to manage the city-owned Downtown Manhattan Heliport (KJRB) following approval from the Franchise and Concession Review Committee. The company is expected to take over management of existing operations by early 2025, with infrastructure upgrades planned by 2026. These infrastructural upgrades are expected to include facilities for the integration of eVTOL traffic.
Beta Aviation has been quietly growing-out their charging network in the United States. In 2024 they added chargers at 30 locations. In 2024, they installed chargers at 30 new sites, nearly doubling their network in size to a total of 46 locations in 22 states across the U.S. These locations are strategically aligned with their customers’ missions and the needs of the broader Advanced Air Mobility industry, with the goal of ensuring that every time an electric aircraft pilot needs to recharge, they’ll have easy access to a charger. Archer Aviation, Signature Aviation Atlantic Aviation, AvFlight, the State of Michigan, regional and municipal airports, and U.S. government agencies have partnered with Beta Aviation to purchase and install a BETA charger to power their programs or prepare for the future of electric aviation. ***
