Photo: Eve Air Mobility
One of the most promising electric air taxi makers is taking an important step toward AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) operations in Japan through a strategic partnership with the only VDMC (Vertiport Development Management Company) in the country.
While most eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) developers focus exclusively on aircraft design and technology, some are expanding their portfolio with connected elements such as electric chargers and ATM (Air Traffic Management) tools. Eve Air Mobility, born as the AAM subsidiary of the well-known Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer, has developed cutting-edge ATM software for air taxi operations, which isn't limited to its own eVTOL.
In addition to securing impressive pre-orders for its electric aircraft (even claiming to be the market leader globally), Eve is also doing well when it comes to its ATM tool. So far, it has 13 customers for the software, six of which are vertiport developers.
The latest one to join the club has a special status because it's the only one of its kind in Japan and also Eve's first connection to Japan. Based in Osaka, SkyScape is a trailblazing Japanese vertiport developer with a unique vision for future air taxi operations.
SkyScape envisioned a modular approach to vertiports based on so-called building blocks, which are defined as ready-made units with a high degree of flexibility. For greater sustainability, these blocks will be made using both high-grade aluminum and upcycled containers. This is also supposed to make them easier to set up and durable. The idea is that each block would be dedicated to a specific vertiport element, allowing future operators to pick and choose exactly what they need instead of being stuck with a standard version.
Another innovative aspect of the SkyScape approach is that future vertiports are seen as more than simple infrastructure sites for eVTOL takeoff and landing. They would integrate additional services for the local community, such as medical deliveries and first response.
Following this collaboration, the Japanese vertiport developer will soon start testing Eve's ATM tool to gather data, as well as other aspects involved in vertiport operations. The two also plan to focus on testing autonomous air taxi flights at multiple SkyScape locations.
In the meantime, Eve is also advancing the development of its own eVTOL at high speed. It has confirmed a long list of top-tier global suppliers, as well as the location of its first production facility. The Eve eVTOL with a lift-plus-cruise configuration will be manufactured in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The company's first full-scale prototype is currently being assembled in preparation for upcoming flight tests this year.
The Brazil-based manufacturer says it's ready to start deliveries to its customers worldwide, including the US, South Korea, and Dubai, as soon as 2026.
In addition to securing impressive pre-orders for its electric aircraft (even claiming to be the market leader globally), Eve is also doing well when it comes to its ATM tool. So far, it has 13 customers for the software, six of which are vertiport developers.
The latest one to join the club has a special status because it's the only one of its kind in Japan and also Eve's first connection to Japan. Based in Osaka, SkyScape is a trailblazing Japanese vertiport developer with a unique vision for future air taxi operations.
SkyScape envisioned a modular approach to vertiports based on so-called building blocks, which are defined as ready-made units with a high degree of flexibility. For greater sustainability, these blocks will be made using both high-grade aluminum and upcycled containers. This is also supposed to make them easier to set up and durable. The idea is that each block would be dedicated to a specific vertiport element, allowing future operators to pick and choose exactly what they need instead of being stuck with a standard version.
Another innovative aspect of the SkyScape approach is that future vertiports are seen as more than simple infrastructure sites for eVTOL takeoff and landing. They would integrate additional services for the local community, such as medical deliveries and first response.
Following this collaboration, the Japanese vertiport developer will soon start testing Eve's ATM tool to gather data, as well as other aspects involved in vertiport operations. The two also plan to focus on testing autonomous air taxi flights at multiple SkyScape locations.
In the meantime, Eve is also advancing the development of its own eVTOL at high speed. It has confirmed a long list of top-tier global suppliers, as well as the location of its first production facility. The Eve eVTOL with a lift-plus-cruise configuration will be manufactured in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The company's first full-scale prototype is currently being assembled in preparation for upcoming flight tests this year.
The Brazil-based manufacturer says it's ready to start deliveries to its customers worldwide, including the US, South Korea, and Dubai, as soon as 2026.
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