Embraer‘s innovation arm, EmbraerX, launched a new company on Thursday: Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, Inc. In a statement to investors, the company explained that Eve is developing “a complete portfolio of solutions for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) “.
The vertical take-off and landing electric vehicle (eVTOL), also known as EmbraerX flying taxi and which made its first flight “in simulator” in July this year, is part of this portfolio. It is in this vehicle that Uber is eyeing its Uber Elevate, the air mobility project that the company wants to start in 2023.
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“Eve’s launch is an important next step in commercializing Embraer’s eVTOL designs while building on Embraer’s ability to design, certify, and deliver safe, globally-accepted aircraft. We look forward to our continued partnership to make aerial ridesharing a reality,” said Eric Allison, Head of Uber Elevate, in the statement for investors.
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The model proposed by the Brazilian manufacturer will have eight propellers and the capacity to take one pilot and four passengers. The simulator is the first step in the development of any prototype like this one.
Unlike traditional aircraft, project development for urban centers involves not only the aircraft itself, but the creation of an entire ecosystem that includes landing sites and models for air traffic control. Another Embraer subsidiary, Atech, will assist Eve in creating an Air Navigation System (ANS) for eVTOL aircraft.
André Stein, responsible for EmbraerX’s strategy, was appointed CEO of Eve.
