Eve Air Mobility Secures $150 Million from Major Global Banks to Fuel eVTOL Certification

Eve Air Mobility has announced a significant financial milestone, securing a $150 million loan facility to support the development and certification of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The financing deal, finalized on January 20, 2026, involves a syndicate of top-tier global financial institutions, including Citibank, JPMorgan, Itau BBA, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).

According to the company’s official statement, this injection of capital brings Eve’s total historical funding to approximately $1.2 billion. The funds are earmarked to accelerate the company’s testing campaign following the successful first flight of its full-scale engineering prototype in December 2025. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) date of 2027, Eve is positioning itself for a capital-intensive phase of flight testing and regulatory compliance.

Strengthening the Balance Sheet for Certification

The new financing is structured as a five-year loan facility. In its press release, Eve emphasized that this liquidity strengthens its balance sheet as it executes a strategic roadmap extending through 2028. The involvement of conservative, high-profile banking institutions signals a shift in how the financial sector views eVTOL infrastructure, moving from speculative venture risk to financeable industrial assets.

Eduardo Couto, Chief Financial Officer of Eve Air Mobility, highlighted the confidence these institutions have placed in the company’s program.

“This financing reinforces the confidence of the market in our strategy and provides us with the necessary resources to continue our development and certification journey.”

, Eve Air Mobility Press Release

The capital will primarily fund the expansion of the flight test campaign. After validating fly-by-wire controls and electric propulsion systems during the initial hover tests in late 2025, the company plans to expand the flight envelope in 2026. This includes the technically challenging transition from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise flight.

Beyond the Aircraft: The Vector Ecosystem

While much of the industry focus remains on the aircraft itself, Eve is allocating a portion of these funds to its “comprehensive urban air mobility ecosystem,” specifically the Vector air traffic management software. Unlike competitors focusing solely on vehicle manufacturing, Eve is developing the digital infrastructure required to manage high-density urban air traffic.

According to company reports, the Vector software recently completed a successful real-world trial managing helicopter traffic at the São Paulo Grand Prix in November 2025. This “ecosystem-first” approach aims to create recurring revenue streams independent of aircraft sales, addressing the logistical challenges of operating air taxis in congested cities.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Embraer Advantage”

The composition of Eve’s backing, specifically the industrial support of Embraer and the financial support of global heavyweights like MUFG and JPMorgan, highlights a key differentiator in the crowded eVTOL market. While startups often face the dual challenge of certifying a novel aircraft and building a global support network from scratch, Eve leverages Embraer’s existing service centers, supply chains, and certification experience.

Furthermore, the participation of traditional banks suggests that the sector is maturing. As competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation push for earlier entry-to-service dates in 2025 and 2026, Eve’s conservative 2027 timeline appears designed to prioritize regulatory robustness over speed. This “smart money” validation indicates that institutional lenders see long-term viability in Eve’s methodical approach, even if it means entering the market slightly later than its peers.

Competitive Landscape and Market Position

The eVTOL sector is currently in a “separation phase,” where well-capitalized leaders are distinguishing themselves from struggling entrants. Eve’s $1.2 billion in total funding places it firmly among the industry leaders.

According to recent market data, Eve holds one of the largest order backlogs in the industry, with approximately 2,900 Letters of Intent (LOIs) valued at roughly $14.5 billion. While many of these agreements are non-binding, the company recently secured a firm order for 50 aircraft from Revo, a subsidiary of OHI Helicopters.

The table below compares Eve’s current standing against key competitors as of January 2026:

While Joby and Archer are pursuing faster timelines with the FAA, Eve is certifying primarily with Brazil’s ANAC. Due to bilateral agreements between Brazil and the U.S., this certification is expected to be streamlined for global markets, allowing Eve to benefit from Embraer’s deep regulatory history.

Conclusion

With $150 million in fresh debt financing and a successful prototype flight achieved, Eve Air Mobility enters 2026 with a clear runway. The company’s strategy of combining aircraft development with air traffic management software and leveraging Embraer’s industrial footprint offers a distinct path to commercialization. As the industry consolidates, evidenced by the financial struggles of other players in late 2024, Eve’s ability to secure capital from major banks underscores its position as a long-term contender in the future of urban flight.

Sources

• Eve Air Mobility Press Release