Helicopter charter firm Halo orders 200 eVTOL aircraft from Eve
Helicopter operator Halo has placed an order for 200 of Eve’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, due for delivery in 2026.
The order is one of the largest yet made for commercial eVTOL aircraft, and comes after Halo was formed by combining two existing helicopter charter firms: Halo in the UK and Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) in the United States.
Half of the ordered vehicles are expected to be used for US-based operations, while the remaining 100 will operate in the UK.
The background of Eve and its eVTOL innovation
Eve is a subsidiary of the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer. Last autumn saw it spun out of the EmbraerX incubator, with a view to the continued development of its eVTOL aircraft.
Business aviation group Directional Aviation acquired Halo and AAG earlier this year. Halo will initially operate a charter fleet of Agusta / Leonardo AW109 and AW169 helicopters prior to the introduction of the eVTOLs.
The Eve aircraft accommodates four passengers, and is said to have a planned range of 60 miles (100 kilometres). Embraer has stated it will be 80% quieter than existing helicopters.
Last July, engineers used an Eve engineering simulator to conduct the first flight; this was followed in October by the unveiling of a number of concept drawings for the eVTOL. Eve is also collaborating with another Embraer subsidiary - Atech - on the development of an urban air traffic management system.
“A phenomenal vertical mobility platform”
Directional Aviation principal Kenneth Ricci commented: “Bringing together two companies, which are leading providers of vertical lift and urban mobility services in two of the most important markets, will create a phenomenal vertical mobility platform.
“In placing this order for a revolutionary breakthrough in urban air mobility, we are advancing toward safe, efficient and sustainable travel in and between our cities.
“eVTOL urban air mobility is the greatest opportunity, and the greatest challenge, I have seen in my 40 years in aviation, and Eve is positioned to make it a reality.
“We believe Eve has designed an aircraft that not only is well-prepared for initial certification but also has a proven track record of production.
“The outstanding lineage of aircraft design, certification and production that Embraer brings to this aircraft positions Eve with significant advantages in the competitive landscape.”
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