Electric Aircraft
Costa Rica Deploys 50 eVTOLs for Sustainable Tourism Transport
Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest partner to modernize Costa Rica’s transport with electric aircraft, enhancing tourism and reducing emissions.
In a bold move to reshape regional mobility and reinforce its commitment to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica is positioning itself at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). On June 30, 2025, Eve Air Mobility signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aerosolutions and Bluenest by Globalvia to deploy up to 50 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and implement comprehensive TechCare services. This collaboration aims to establish an integrated AAM ecosystem in Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest, particularly targeting high-demand tourist regions like Guanacaste.
With over 2.6 million annual visitors arriving by air in 2024, Costa Rica faces a pressing need to modernize its transportation infrastructure. The introduction of eVTOLs offers a transformative solution, providing low-emission, time-saving alternatives to traditional ground travel. This partnership not only addresses logistical inefficiencies but also reinforces Costa Rica’s leadership in ecotourism and sustainable innovation.
The LOI outlines a comprehensive partnership between Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest by Globalvia. Eve, a subsidiary of Embraer, brings its aerospace expertise and a backlog of 2,900 eVTOLs to the table. Aerosolutions, launching a new operator called Aeros Electric Airlines, will oversee flight operations, while Bluenest will develop the necessary vertiport infrastructure. Together, they aim to create a seamless, intermodal transport system that integrates air and ground travel.
The initial deployment will focus on routes between Liberia Airport and premium resorts in Guanacaste, covering distances of 20 to 50 kilometers. These routes, currently plagued by road congestion and long travel times, will be reduced to under 15 minutes via eVTOL. The aircraft themselves boast a 100 km range and cruise speeds of 160 km/h, making them ideal for short-haul regional transport.
Beyond aircraft delivery, the agreement includes access to Eve’s TechCare services, a comprehensive suite offering maintenance, battery management, pilot training, and digital operations. This ensures high aircraft availability, minimal downtime, and a streamlined user experience for both operators and passengers.
“We’re accelerating safe, sustainable mobility while bolstering Costa Rica’s ecotourism leadership.”, Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility
Bluenest, the AAM business line of Globalvia, will spearhead vertiport development. As the operator of Costa Rica’s key highway (Ruta 27), Globalvia’s experience enhances the potential for effective intermodal connections. Vertiports will be strategically located at airports and resorts, designed with minimal land use and equipped with solar-powered charging stations to align with environmental goals.
Workshops under the LOI will address critical areas such as airspace integration, pilot certification, and vertiport design. These collaborative efforts aim to align with Costa Rica’s Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and international standards from regulatory bodies like EASA and ANAC. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring safe, compliant, and scalable operations.
Phase 1 of the rollout (2025–2026) will focus on infrastructure and training, while Phase 2 (2027) aims to scale operations to 20 aircraft across 15 routes. By 2028, full deployment is expected, with potential expansion to San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, which handles over 1.77 million passengers annually. Tourism is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, generating over $5 billion in 2024 and contributing 8.2% to GDP. However, the influx of over 880,000 tourists annually to regions like Guanacaste strains the existing road infrastructure. Travel times are often inflated by 40% during peak seasons, affecting visitor satisfaction and repeat tourism rates.
Traditional infrastructure expansion is limited by environmental concerns. eVTOLs present a compelling alternative, covering 92% of tourist routes in the Pacific Northwest with zero-emission operations. This aligns with Costa Rica’s 2050 Carbon Neutrality Pledge and enhances its reputation as a leader in eco-conscious travel.
North American tourists, who make up 73% of arrivals, spend an average of $1,850 per trip. However, 23% cite transportation inefficiencies as a deterrent. By slashing travel times from two hours to 15 minutes, the eVTOL service could increase tourist spending by 15–20%, offering both economic and experiential benefits.
“Reducing congestion in Guanacaste reinforces our reputation for eco-innovation.”, Antonio Mota, CEO of Aerosolutions
TechCare, Eve’s integrated support platform, plays a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. It includes four key pillars: maintenance and repair, battery and energy management, training and certification, and digital operations. Each component is designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability in day-to-day operations.
Maintenance services leverage Embraer’s global network for predictive diagnostics, reducing unscheduled downtime to under 2%. Battery management, in partnership with BAE Systems, includes logistics optimization and recycling, ensuring 99% flight readiness. Training is conducted through Embraer-CAE using VR simulations, while digital operations manage air traffic and fleet routing through Vector software.
For Aerosolutions, TechCare translates into 30% lower operating costs compared to traditional aviation. The workshops included in the LOI will equip local teams with the skills and knowledge required to manage these advanced systems effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational excellence.
The collaboration between Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest signifies more than a technological upgrade, it represents a paradigm shift in how regions like Costa Rica can address transportation inefficiencies while advancing sustainability goals. With the potential to reduce road congestion by 15–20% and enhance tourist experiences, this initiative sets a new standard for eco-friendly innovation in travel.
As the global AAM market continues to grow, Costa Rica’s model offers a replicable blueprint for other tourism-dependent economies. By combining cutting-edge technology with strategic infrastructure and service integration, the partnership not only meets current mobility challenges but also lays the foundation for a more connected, sustainable future. What is an eVTOL? Why was Costa Rica chosen for this initiative? When will the service be operational?
Transforming Sustainable Travel: Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest’s eVTOL Initiative in Costa Rica
Building the Future of Regional Air Mobility
Strategic Collaboration and Deployment
Infrastructure and Operational Planning
Tourism, Sustainability, and Economic Impact
Costa Rica’s Tourism Economy and Challenges
TechCare: The Operational Backbone
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Mobility
FAQ
An eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft is a type of air vehicle designed for urban air mobility. It uses electric propulsion to take off, hover, and land vertically, making it ideal for short-distance travel in congested areas.
Costa Rica’s high tourism volume, commitment to sustainability, and traffic congestion issues make it an ideal testing ground for eVTOL services. The country’s infrastructure and regulatory environment also support innovative transportation solutions.
The first phase of operations is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with full deployment anticipated by 2028, pending regulatory approvals and infrastructure development.
Sources
Photo Credit: Eve Air Mobility