Paul Perera’s Post

Bridging the Gap: Regional Air Mobility and Future Propulsion Amid Decreased Funding As the Future Air Mobility (FAM) industry moves toward commercialisation, decreased funding is reshaping how companies prioritise and innovate. Key sectors like regional air mobility (RAM) and future propulsion systems for narrowbody aircraft are under pressure to demonstrate scalable solutions that address both market demand and sustainability goals. With regional air mobility, there’s potential to revolutionise short-haul travel, connecting underserved regions with efficient, low-emission aircraft. However, scaling RAM will require significant investment in infrastructure and regulatory support, areas that are now being tested by tighter funding. At the same time, future propulsion for narrowbody aircraft—such as electric, hydrogen, and hybrid engines—is advancing rapidly. These technologies are essential for the next generation of sustainable aviation, offering pathways to reduce emissions while maintaining the range and efficiency required for commercial operations. Yet, to bring these innovations to market, companies must find ways to optimize R&D, collaborate across the industry, and strategically allocate resources. “Investors are becoming more selective, increasingly looking for a clear route to certification as a critical factor in determining which technologies will move forward.” Writes McKinsey & Company’s partner Robin Riedel as he heads to National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), in Las Vegas 22nd October. The Future Air Mobility (FAM) ecosystem must now focus on bridging the funding gap by leveraging early consumer interest, securing partnerships, and aligning innovations with immediate market needs. With smart adaptation, regional air mobility and future propulsion systems can still drive the transformation of aviation in a more sustainable direction. #FutureAirMobility #RegionalAirMobility #SustainableAviation #PropulsionInnovation #NarrowbodyAircraft #AviationTransformation #FundingChallenges

Electra.aero recently showcased a groundbreaking achievement with its hybrid-electric test aircraft, the EL-2 Goldfinch. In a video released by the company, the eSTOL (Electric Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft demonstrated its ability to take off from a distance of less than 170 feet, just 10 percent of the typical length of a conventional airfield runway. The EL-2 Goldfinch, trialed earlier this year at several airports in Virginia, is designed to operate on airstrips the size of a soccer field (300 feet by 100 feet). However, the aircraft required "almost no runway" at all during its test flights. Over a two-month trial period, the Goldfinch consistently achieved takeoffs in just over half the maximum space needed, reaching an altitude of 6,500 feet and landing within a 114-foot stopping distance. According to Electra, the aircraft took off and landed at speeds of approximately 28 to 29 miles per hour, thanks to its patented "blown-lift design" utilizing eight small electric-powered propellers. This innovative design enables the eSTOL to achieve liftoff with minimal speed. The test flights were piloted by Cody Allee from Manassas Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Virginia. The longest flight lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes. With a range of 500 miles plus a 45-minute reserve, the eSTOL does not require ground-based charging infrastructure, allowing for extended flights without interruptions. Additionally, the Goldfinch operates primarily on clean electric energy, making it much quieter than traditional airplanes, producing only 75 decibels of noise at around 300 feet. The hybrid aircraft also reduces pollution, burning 40 percent less fuel on a standard 100-mile route. JP Stewart, Electra’s VP and General Manager, expressed excitement over this milestone, stating, "This recent milestone is an incredible achievement as we’ve proven that our eSTOL aircraft has the capability to do what we said it could do, operate from spaces shorter than 300 feet.” He added, “We will continue to develop our technologies and further improve its takeoff and landing performance.” Electra Aero aims to have a nine-passenger commercial eSTOL aircraft in service by 2028, marking a significant advancement in sustainable aviation technology. Read the story on our blog. #AvfoilNews #ElectraAero #HybridElectricAircraft #eSTOL #AviationInnovation #SustainableAviation #CleanEnergy #AerospaceTechnology #GreenAviation #FutureOfFlight #AviationMilestones

Future Trends in ̲𝐌̲𝐨̲𝐫̲𝐞̲ ̲𝐄̲𝐥̲𝐞̲𝐜̲𝐭̲𝐫̲𝐢̲𝐜̲ ̲𝐀̲𝐢̲𝐫̲𝐜̲𝐫̲𝐚̲𝐟̲𝐭̲: Towards Sustainable Aviation The global electric aircraft market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing environmental concerns, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives. Electric aircraft, powered by electric motors and batteries, offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution in the aviation sector. Key drivers propelling market growth include the need for sustainable transportation solutions, rising fuel costs, and advancements in battery technology enhancing flight range and efficiency. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 : @ https://lnkd.in/gZV9P3a9 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 Technological Advancements: Continuous advancements in #electric propulsion systems, battery #technology, and #lightweight materials are driving innovation in the electric #aircraft market. Manufacturers are focusing on improving #energy efficiency, increasing flight range, and enhancing overall performance to make electric aircraft more viable for commercial applications. Urban Air Mobility (UAM): The rise of urban air mobility solutions, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is a significant trend in the electric aircraft market. These vehicles are designed for short-distance urban transportation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground #transportation methods. UAM initiatives are gaining traction in major cities worldwide, driving demand for electric aircraft tailored for urban mobility. Regulatory Support and Certification: Regulatory bodies are increasingly supporting the development and certification of electric aircraft, paving the way for their commercial deployment. Governments and aviation authorities are collaborating with industry stakeholders to establish safety standards, certification processes, and infrastructure requirements for electric aircraft operations. Streamlined regulatory frameworks and certification pathways 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨 : @ https://lnkd.in/gDzTPMrt 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 : Boeing |Joby Aviation|Lilium|Eviation Aircraft |Pipistrel Aircraft|Volocopter Production GmbH |Vertical Aerospace|Bye Aerospace, Inc.|Wright Electric|Zunum Aero|Ampaire|AeroTéc|magniX|Embraer

Future Trends in ̲𝐌̲𝐨̲𝐫̲𝐞̲ ̲𝐄̲𝐥̲𝐞̲𝐜̲𝐭̲𝐫̲𝐢̲𝐜̲ ̲𝐀̲𝐢̲𝐫̲𝐜̲𝐫̲𝐚̲𝐟̲𝐭̲: Towards Sustainable Aviation The global electric aircraft market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing environmental concerns, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives. Electric aircraft, powered by electric motors and batteries, offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution in the aviation sector. Key drivers propelling market growth include the need for sustainable transportation solutions, rising fuel costs, and advancements in battery technology enhancing flight range and efficiency. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 : @ https://lnkd.in/gZV9P3a9 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 Technological Advancements: Continuous advancements in #electric propulsion systems, battery #technology, and #lightweight materials are driving innovation in the electric #aircraft market. Manufacturers are focusing on improving #energy efficiency, increasing flight range, and enhancing overall performance to make electric aircraft more viable for commercial applications. Urban Air Mobility (UAM): The rise of urban air mobility solutions, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is a significant trend in the electric aircraft market. These vehicles are designed for short-distance urban transportation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground #transportation methods. UAM initiatives are gaining traction in major cities worldwide, driving demand for electric aircraft tailored for urban mobility. Regulatory Support and Certification: Regulatory bodies are increasingly supporting the development and certification of electric aircraft, paving the way for their commercial deployment. Governments and aviation authorities are collaborating with industry stakeholders to establish safety standards, certification processes, and infrastructure requirements for electric aircraft operations. Streamlined regulatory frameworks and certification pathways 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨 : @ https://lnkd.in/gDzTPMrt 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 : Boeing |Joby Aviation|Lilium|Eviation Aircraft |Pipistrel Aircraft|Volocopter Production GmbH |Vertical Aerospace|Bye Aerospace, Inc.|Wright Electric|Zunum Aero|Ampaire|AeroTéc|magniX|Embraer

🚀 Electric Aircraft: The Future of Clean Aviation! ⚡✈️ The electric aircraft industry is soaring as the world moves toward a sustainable future, and the numbers are staggering! With aviation currently contributing about 2.5% of global carbon emissions (source: ICCT), the shift to electric propulsion is a game-changer. 🌍 Here’s a look at what’s driving this transformation: 🔋 Battery Breakthroughs: One major technology propelling the industry is the development of solid-state batteries. These next-gen batteries have 2-3 times the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, making longer electric flights possible. This is key for achieving the goal of 500+ mile ranges by 2030 (source: Clean Sky). 🛩️ eVTOL Revolution: Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are redefining urban air mobility. These all-electric flying taxis are expected to hit the market soon, providing efficient, zero-emission city-to-city transport. The eVTOL market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the next decade (source: Allied Market Research). 📈 Market Surge: The electric aircraft market is set to reach $27 billion by 2030 (source: MarketsandMarkets), fueled by increasing investments in green aviation and cutting-edge propulsion systems. 💡 Hybrid Propulsion: Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) is another exciting innovation. By distributing power across multiple smaller motors, aircraft gain efficiency, reduce noise, and cut emissions, making hybrid-electric systems the perfect stepping stone to fully electric flights. The future of flight is not only electric—it's sustainable, quieter, and smarter. The race is on to create the clean skies of tomorrow, and it's closer than we think! 🌱 What are your thoughts on the electric aircraft revolution? Do you think it will redefine the future of air travel? 🚁🌍 Share your views below! #ElectricAviation #CleanEnergy #eVTOL #SustainableTravel #GreenAviation #AerospaceTech #FutureOfFlight

INTERVIEW with John Nilsson   There are more and more activities going on in the area of hydrogen powered and battery-electric powered aircraft, both from the well-established companies in the aviation industry and from new upcoming start-ups. Although it will still take some time until such aircraft types are on the market in bigger scale, it is already the time now for airports to consider what that means for the infrastructure they need to provide. I had the opportunity to connect with John Nilsson, Strategy Leader for the implementation of electric and hydrogen powered flights at the airports of „Swedavia“ in Sweden, on that topic:   Florian: "From your opinion, what will we see quicker on the market in bigger scale? Hydrogen powered or battery-electric powered aircraft?"   John: "Battery-electric powered aircrafts, both with fixed wings or eVTOL already exist today, and according to electric aircraft manufacturers larger commercial battery-electric aircrafts or hybrid aircrafts should hit the market before the year 2030. However those aircrafts will have limited ranges, which will be most suited for certain shorter routes with existing natural barriers, for example over mountains or water. For longer routes hydrogen powered aircrafts seem more plausible, even if continuous increases in battery capacity will lead to extended ranges. Whilst the future is hard to predict I believe that battery-electric aircrafts could play a role for short commuter routes over barriers and hydrogen powered aircrafts could play a larger role in replacing existing short to medium haul routes. However many considerations must be taken into account, amongst others travel demand needs between two points, the cost of infrastructures at airports, as well as the flexibility aspects of having aircrafts that can service a wide range of destinations, with varying distances, which could downplay the role of battery-electric airplanes. Several ongoing projects currently focusing on business models for future fossil free aircrafts, where the whole value chain and ecosystem is considered. Only after having built a comprehensive picture of the total ecosystem involved in battery-electric and hydrogen powered aircraft will we be able to more accurately forecast future travelers demands." [...] ➡ Read the full interview in the picture slides of that post. (Source, on first page: picture on right side provided by John Nilsson, picture on left side provided by Florian Riedl) 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧-𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 | 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐃𝐅 @ https://lnkd.in/dXFqEFyE Urban Air Mobility (#UAM) refers to a transportation system that uses electric vertical takeoff and landing (#eVTOL) aircraft to move people or goods within urban or suburban areas. These vehicles are designed to operate in densely populated regions, providing a new dimension to urban transportation. UAM aims to address challenges such as traffic congestion, long commuting times, and limited transportation infrastructure. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 𝐞𝐕𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭: These are electrically powered aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically. They often have multiple rotors or propellers, providing the necessary lift and control for vertical flight. 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲: UAM systems often incorporate advanced automation and autonomous technologies to ensure safe and efficient operations. 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: UAM requires a network of vertiports or helipads strategically located throughout urban areas. 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: The electric propulsion systems used in UAM vehicles contribute to a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation compared to traditional combustion engines. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: The implementation of UAM faces regulatory hurdles related to air traffic management, safety standards, and integration with existing aviation systems. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬: Various companies, including both established aerospace firms and startups, are actively developing and testing UAM technologies. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬: UAM can serve a variety of purposes, including passenger transportation, medical evacuation, cargo delivery, and more. #UAM #urbanairmobility #airmobility #aviationindustry #airlineindustry

✈️ Clean Air, Clean Flight: Large Runways? No Thanks! 🌍 Electra's eSTOL Aircraft: Revolutionizing Short-Distance Travel Innovative Takeoff: Electra's EL-2 Goldfinch, a hybrid-electric test aircraft, achieved takeoff in just 170 feet—a fraction of conventional runways. ✈️ Impressive Performance: During tests, the Goldfinch soared to 6,500 feet and landed within 114 feet, showcasing its exceptional short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) capabilities. 🌍 Eco-Friendly Design: Utilizing a "blown-lift design" with electric propellers, the aircraft is quieter and burns 40% less fuel on standard routes, reducing pollution and noise. 🌿 Future of Flight: With a 500-mile range and no need for ground charging, Electra aims to launch a nine-passenger commercial eSTOL by 2028, paving the way for cleaner, efficient travel. 🌟 Electra's eSTOL is set to transform the aerospace industry with its groundbreaking technology, offering a sustainable solution for short-distance travel that benefits both the environment and communities. 🌍✈️ #aviation #aerospace #electricflight #eVTOL #electrification #propulsion #batteries #energystorage #innovation #techstartup #aviationtechnology #hybridaircraft #eSTOL #engineering #aeronauticalengineering #R&D #prototype #testing #futuretech

#DisruptiveTech Charging forward. Check out this excellent primer and overview of the air mobility market. Vast sums have gushed into the dream of creating multi-modal transportation networks that include the third dimension to relieve overstressed ground-based infrastructure networks. That is the futuristic promise. But turning the fantastic designs into certificated reality is proving difficult, and costly. The FlightGlobal team takes an in-depth look at the top players in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, as they pursue different paths toward regulatory approval and commercialisation of their vehicles. Also see the McKinsey & Company report from earlier this year: Clouds or clear skies? Prospects for future air mobility - link in comments below ⬇️ #aam #airmobility #urbanairmobility #uam #aerospace #innovation #evtol Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting

Last Autumn we completed an Innovate UK funded V2X Project with a consortium led by Nottingham University based on a UK airport to examine how we could use their long-stay carpark, full of V2X capable EVs as a virtual energy hub. This would support the electrification of airside operations, peak shaving, enhance energy costs, plus add consumption resilience. Now, in the USA they are taking the electrification of airside infrastructure one step further. Aviation service provider Atlantic Aviation is joining forces with three developers of electric air cabs to set up charging stations for them at airports. In the UK Drones are being trialled todeliver body organs plus urgently needed drugs to the Scottish Outer Isles. Whiskey Distillers are considering using electric passenger taxis to speed tourists to previously inaccessible locations for grouse shooting and fishing. The need for powerful fast-recharging units will be replicated at ports, HGV, and bus depots all over the world, adding yet more stress to the international LV power network distributions systems. With thanks and recognition to electrive.com I reproduce some of the detail about this action here: - "For the initiative together with Joby Aviation and Archer, the initial focus is on building charging infrastructure in New York and Los Angeles. San Francisco and Miami are also part of the focus with Archer. The partnership with Beta Technologies is targeting the East and Gulf Coasts. While Archer and Beta are working together on the CCS standard, Joby has developed its own standard with the Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS). The GEACS system is currently installed at two test locations at the Edwards Air Force Base and Joby’s flight testing facility in Marina, California. To achieve interoperability, Joby is working with numerous electric aircraft developers. “These initial eVTOL vertiport locations will provide a launching pad for future expansion across Atlantic’s portfolio and ensure that our Midnight aircraft has safe, centrally located landing facilities for our future passengers,” said Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer of Archer. JoeBen Bivert added: “Through more than 30,000 miles of all-electric vertical flight with full-scale prototype aircraft, our team has fine-tuned a ground support system that allows for the simultaneous recharging of multiple battery packs, external coolant exchange, and secure data offload after flight – making it suitable for all electric aircraft.” https://lnkd.in/eNcV5Nsn