Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility and SkyGrid Unveil Automated Air Traffic Roadmap
Eve Air Mobility and SkyGrid release a white paper proposing a federated automated air traffic model focused on scalable eVTOL operations in Asia-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility and SkyGrid.
On December 9, 2025, amidst the backdrop of the Airspace Asia-Pacific conference in Hong Kong, two major players in the electric aviation sector released a unified vision for the future of urban skies. Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, and SkyGrid, a Wisk Aero company backed by Boeing, jointly published a white paper titled “Enabling Advanced Air Mobility – Automated Traffic Management Services for Low-Altitude Operations.”
The document addresses one of the most persistent hurdles facing the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry: scalability. While manufacturers race to certify electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the infrastructure required to manage thousands of simultaneous low-altitude flights remains a complex regulatory and technical challenge. The new white paper proposes a “federated model” designed to alleviate the burden on human air traffic controllers through high levels of automation.
According to the joint release, the current human-centric Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems are ill-equipped to handle the high density of operations projected for the AAM sector. The white paper argues that attempting to scale existing voice-based, manual control methods would create an immediate bottleneck for the industry.
Instead, Eve and SkyGrid propose a collaborative framework involving Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and commercial Third-Party Service Providers (TSPs). Under this model:
This approach aims to harmonize operations across different regions, ensuring that an eVTOL operating in Hong Kong adheres to similar digital protocols as one in São Paulo or London. The white paper outlines specific “Novel Data Services” required to make this work, including real-time situational awareness and automated alerts if an aircraft deviates from its approved flight path.
“Our vision is to ensure that Advanced Air Mobility is not only possible, but scalable, safe and sustainable… Asia-Pacific, in particular, presents an extraordinary opportunity to lead this transformation.”
, Luiz Mauad, VP Customer Services at Eve Air Mobility
The decision to launch this roadmap in Hong Kong is strategic. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is widely viewed as a critical launchpad for the AAM industry due to its high density of megacities and complex island geographies, which are ideal use cases for air taxis.
According to market data cited by Eve Air Mobility, the APAC region is projected to account for a significant portion of the global market. Eve’s Market Outlook estimates that by 2045, the region could host approximately 12,200 eVTOL aircraft, representing roughly 41% of the global fleet. Nate Isbell, Head of Business Development at SkyGrid, emphasized that the technology to support this growth must be built now, rather than waiting for the aircraft to reach mass production.
“This white paper is not just a vision; it is an invitation for governments, ANSPs and industry leaders to join us in building the systems that will unlock Advanced Air Mobility at scale.”
, Nate Isbell, Head of Business Development at SkyGrid
The collaboration between Eve and SkyGrid represents a notable convergence of competing aerospace ecosystems. Eve is spun out of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, while SkyGrid is a subsidiary of Wisk Aero, which is fully owned by Boeing.
While Embraer and Boeing are traditional rivals in the commercial jet market, the nascent eVTOL sector requires unified standards to survive. If manufacturers were to build proprietary, incompatible traffic management systems, the airspace would likely become unmanageable for regulators. This white paper suggests a move toward interoperability, where “digital roads” are open to various aircraft types provided they can communicate with the TSP network.
This announcement follows a busy period for Eve Air Mobility. In late 2025, the company advanced its supply chain significantly, selecting BETA Technologies to supply electric pusher motors for its production aircraft, a deal reportedly worth up to $1 billion. Eve is currently in the final stages of testing its full-scale engineering prototype.
The publication of this white paper highlights a shift in the AAM narrative from “flying cars” to “digital infrastructure.” For years, the industry has faced a “chicken and egg” dilemma: regulators are hesitant to certify aircraft without a proven airspace management system, but developers struggle to build that system without certified aircraft to test it.
By proposing a federated model where commercial TSPs handle the heavy lifting of automation, Eve and SkyGrid are attempting to offer regulators a low-risk path forward. This model mimics the way internet service providers operate within government-regulated telecommunications frameworks, private companies handle the traffic, while the government sets the standards. For the Asia-Pacific region, where airspace is often heavily militarized or restricted, demonstrating that civilian eVTOLs can be managed automatically and precisely will be the key to unlocking the skies.
Eve Air Mobility and SkyGrid Unveil Roadmap for Automated Air Traffic at Airspace Asia Pacific 2025
A Federated Approach to Air Traffic Management
Focus on the Asia-Pacific Market
Industry Context: Rivals Collaborating on Standards
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Secures Syensqo for VX4 Material Supply
Vertical Aerospace partners with Syensqo to supply composite materials for VX4 eVTOL, advancing industrialization towards 2028 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
On December 8, 2025, Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) announced a definitive long-term partnership with Syensqo, a global supplier of advanced performance materials. The agreement designates Syensqo as a primary supplier of composite and adhesive materials for the VX4 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This move marks a significant milestone in Vertical’s transition from research and development to full-scale industrialization.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership ensures a secure Supply-Chain for the critical materials required to manufacture the VX4’s airframe structure. As Vertical Aerospace targets Certification in 2028, locking in Tier 1 suppliers for primary structures is essential to meeting production volume targets. Syensqo’s materials, which have already been utilized in Vertical’s prototype program, will now be integrated into the certified production models.
The collaboration focuses on lightweighting and durability, two critical performance metrics for Electric-Aviation. By utilizing Syensqo’s advanced composite systems, Vertical aims to maximize the aircraft’s range and payload capacity while ensuring the structure can withstand the high-cycle operations inherent to urban air mobility.
The agreement with Syensqo complements Vertical Aerospace’s existing industrial partnerships, including its collaboration with Aciturri for airframe assembly and Honeywell for Avionics and flight controls. By formalizing this supply contract, Vertical is effectively freezing the supply chain for the aircraft’s primary structure, a necessary step before entering mass production.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships in the company’s broader roadmap:
“We are bringing the VX4 to market alongside leading global partners, and deepening our successful partnership with Syensqo as our advanced-materials supplier is a vital step in that journey.”
Syensqo, a company spun off from Solvay in 2023, brings extensive aerospace pedigree to the program. The company currently supplies materials for major commercial airliners and defense programs. Rodrigo Elizondo, President of Syensqo Composite Materials, noted in the press release that their technologies are specifically designed to meet the rigorous certification standards required for next-generation air mobility vehicles.
This industrial announcement comes during a pivotal week for Vertical Aerospace. The company recently secured a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for Phase 4 testing. This phase is considered the most critical in the flight test campaign, as it involves the transition from vertical hover to wing-borne forward flight. According to Vertical’s schedule, a full piloted transition flight is expected before the end of 2025. Furthermore, the company is set to unveil the final certification design of the VX4 on December 10, 2025, in London. This design will represent the configuration intended for commercial service.
The company has reiterated its target to achieve certification with the UK CAA by 2028, followed by validation from EASA and other global regulators. The commercial demand for the aircraft remains strong, with the company reporting approximately 1,500 conditional pre-orders from major operators including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines.
From Prototype to Product: The formalization of the Syensqo deal signals that Vertical Aerospace is moving past the experimental phase. In the aerospace sector, the shift from “selecting materials” to “signing long-term supply agreements” is a key indicator of design maturity. It suggests that the material specifications for the VX4 are now largely fixed.
Financial and Industrial Context: With a cash runway extending into mid-2026 following a $60 million raise in July 2025, Vertical is under pressure to demonstrate tangible industrial progress. Securing a supply chain is as critical as flight testing; without guaranteed access to high-grade composites, mass production of an eVTOL fleet is impossible. This partnership reduces technical risk by ensuring that the materials used in certification testing are identical to those in the final commercial product.
Sources:
Vertical Aerospace Secures Syensqo as Key Material Partner for VX4 Industrialization
Strategic Supply Chain Integration
VX4 Program Status and Certification Timeline
Upcoming Milestones
AirPro News Analysis
Vertical Aerospace Press Release (Dec 8, 2025)
Vertical Aerospace Official Updates
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Electric Aircraft
Bye Aerospace Partners with Composite Approach for eFlyer 2 Production
Bye Aerospace teams with Composite Approach to produce composite structures for the eFlyer 2, targeting Spring 2026 first flight and FAA certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Bye Aerospace.
Bye Aerospace, the Denver-based developer of the all-electric eFlyer family of aircraft, has officially announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with Composite Approach. According to a press release issued on December 2, 2025, the Oregon-based manufacturer has been selected to produce the major composite structures, including the fuselage, wings, and empennage, for the first production-conforming eFlyer 2.
This agreement marks a significant transition for Bye Aerospace as it moves from the research and development phase into industrialization. The components manufactured by Composite Approach will be utilized to assemble the specific aircraft designated for the eFlyer 2’s inaugural flight as a production-conforming prototype. The company has targeted Spring 2026 for this milestone flight.
The partnership focuses on the “new-design” eFlyer 2, a term the company uses to distinguish the production-conforming airframe from previous proof-of-concept demonstrators. According to the company’s announcement, this airframe represents the design specifications submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification.
Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace, described the partnership as a critical step in the company’s roadmap. In the press release, Zastrow emphasized the shift toward physical production of the certified asset.
“This partnership marks a turning point for Bye Aerospace as we move from design to the physical production of our certified aircraft.”
, Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace
Composite Approach, located in Redmond, Oregon, brings decades of experience in advanced composite manufacturing. The firm is tasked with executing a “build-to-print” mandate, producing high-precision carbon fiber parts based on Bye Aerospace’s engineering data. Brian Harris, CEO of Composite Approach, noted in the release that the project involves “pushing the boundaries of composite technology” to meet the rigorous weight and aerodynamic requirements of electric-aviation.
The production-conforming eFlyer 2 is designed to meet the FAA’s Part 23 Amendment 64 certification basis, a performance-based regulation adapted to accommodate novel technologies like electric propulsion. The aircraft features an optimized aerodynamic design intended to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio, a critical factor for extending the range of battery-electric aircraft. According to technical details released by the company, the aircraft will be powered by the Safran ENGINeUS™ 100 electric motor. This propulsion system, combined with high-density battery packs, is engineered to support a flight endurance of up to three hours. This endurance target is a key differentiator in the electric flight training market, where current certified competitors often offer significantly shorter flight times.
The selection of Composite Approach signals that Bye Aerospace is attempting to de-risk its path to market by leveraging an established supply chain partner rather than building internal fabrication capacity from scratch. By outsourcing the major structural components, Bye Aerospace can concentrate its internal resources on systems integration, final assembly, and the complex FAA certification process.
The stakes are high for the Denver-based manufacturer. With a reported order backlog exceeding $700 million, the company faces pressure to deliver a certified product to flight schools eager to reduce operating costs. Traditional training aircraft burn leaded aviation fuel and require frequent engine maintenance; Bye Aerospace claims the eFlyer 2 will operate at one-fifth the cost of these legacy aircraft.
While the Spring 2026 target for the inaugural flight is ambitious, it represents the critical path toward final certification flight testing. If the eFlyer 2 can achieve its projected 3-hour endurance, it would offer a distinct operational advantage over existing certified electric aircraft, such as the Pipistrel Velis Electro, which is generally limited to local traffic patterns.
What is the difference between the “new-design” eFlyer 2 and previous versions? When will the production-conforming eFlyer 2 fly? Who is manufacturing the airframe? What is the primary market for this aircraft?
Bye Aerospace Partners with Composite Approach for Production-Conforming eFlyer 2
Moving Toward Certification
Technical Specifications and Standards
AirPro News Analysis: The Industrialization Phase
Frequently Asked Questions
Previous versions were technology demonstrators or “proof-of-concept” aircraft. The “new-design” refers to the production-conforming aircraft, built exactly to the specifications submitted to the FAA for final certification.
Bye Aerospace has targeted Spring 2026 for the inaugural flight of this specific airframe.
Composite Approach, a manufacturer based in Redmond, Oregon, will build the fuselage, wings, and empennage.
The eFlyer 2 is a two-seat aircraft designed primarily for the flight training market, aiming to replace aging gasoline-powered trainers like the Cessna 172.Sources
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Selects BETA Technologies for eVTOL Pusher Motors
Eve Air Mobility chooses BETA Technologies to supply electric pusher motors for eVTOL aircraft in a deal worth up to $1 billion over 10 years.
This article is based on an official press release from BETA Technologies and Eve Air Mobility.
In a significant move for the electric aviation sector, Eve Air Mobility has officially selected BETA Technologies to supply the electric pusher motors for its eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. The agreement, announced on December 2, 2025, represents a major step toward supply chain consolidation as the industry approaches commercialization.
According to the official announcement, this long-term agreement covers the supply of electric pusher motors for both Eve’s conforming prototypes and its serial production aircraft. Industry reports indicate the deal could be valued at up to $1 billion over a ten-year period, supporting Eve’s substantial order backlog of 2,800 aircraft.
The partnership marks a strategic pivot from vertical integration to a “best-of-breed” supply chain approach. By selecting BETA’s proven propulsion technology for forward flight, Eve aims to de-risk its certification timeline while retaining Nidec Aerospace as the supplier for its vertical lift motors.
To understand the significance of this supplier selection, it is necessary to examine Eve’s specific aircraft design. The company utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration, which separates the propulsion systems used for hovering from those used for forward flight.
Under this architecture, the aircraft relies on two distinct motor types:
By separating these functions, Eve can optimize each motor for its specific phase of flight, high torque for the lift motors and high efficiency for the cruise motor.
According to technical details surrounding the deal, Eve is expected to utilize BETA’s proprietary motor technology, likely the H500A series currently used in BETA’s own ALIA aircraft. Key specifications highlighted in industry analysis include:
“These motors have been validated through thousands of flight hours on BETA’s own ALIA test aircraft, reducing the technical risk for Eve.”
, Industry Research Report
This agreement highlights a growing trend of cooperation between companies that might otherwise be viewed as competitors. Both Eve and BETA are developing their own electric aircraft, yet this deal positions BETA as a Tier 1 supplier to other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
For Eve, the decision to source a critical propulsion component externally rather than developing it in-house offers clear strategic advantages. It allows the company to leverage BETA’s existing flight heritage, BETA has flown its motors extensively across the U.S., thereby potentially accelerating Eve’s entry into service, targeted for 2026.
With this selection, Eve has secured top-tier suppliers for the majority of its critical systems. The supply chain now includes:
The Era of “Frenemies” in Flight
We view this partnership as a maturing moment for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. In the early days of the industry, many startups attempted to vertically integrate every component, from batteries to motors to airframes. Eve’s decision to purchase a motor from BETA, technically a competitor in the airframe space, signals that the industry is prioritizing certification speed and safety over proprietary exclusivity.
Furthermore, this deal validates BETA Technologies’ dual business model. By selling their propulsion tech to other OEMs, BETA diversifies its revenue streams beyond just operating its own ALIA aircraft. For investors, this reduces the “winner-take-all” risk often associated with new technology markets.
What is the value of the deal between Eve and BETA?
Reports estimate the agreement could be worth up to $1 billion over the course of 10 years, covering both prototype and serial production phases.
Does this mean Eve is stopping its own motor development? Eve is retaining Nidec Aerospace for its vertical lift motors. The agreement with BETA is specifically for the pusher motor used in forward cruise flight, allowing Eve to utilize off-the-shelf, proven technology for that specific function.
When is Eve expected to enter service?
Eve Air Mobility is currently targeting an entry into service (EIS) date of 2026.
Eve Air Mobility Taps BETA Technologies for Critical Propulsion Systems
Technical Breakdown: The “Lift + Cruise” Architecture
Distinct Propulsion Roles
BETA’s Motor Specifications
Strategic Implications for the eVTOL Market
The “Buy” Over “Build” Advantage
Supply Chain Maturity
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Eve Air Mobility
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