AirX Signs Firm Order for Eve eVTOLs to Launch Urban Air Mobility in Japan

Japanese air mobility platform AirX Inc. has signed a firm order agreement with Eve Air Mobility for two electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. According to the official announcement, the agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional 48 aircraft, bringing the potential total order to 50 units.

The deal marks a significant step for the integration of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Japan, a market that has aggressively pursued advanced air solutions to combat congestion in its dense metropolitan areas. In addition to the hardware, AirX has purchased Eve’s “Vector” software, an urban air traffic management (ATM) solution designed to optimize fleet operations and safely integrate eVTOLs into existing airspace.

Agreement Details and Timeline

The collaboration between AirX and Eve Air Mobility focuses on establishing a sustainable and efficient transportation network in Japan. While much of the industry hype has centered on the upcoming 2025 Osaka World Expo, this agreement points toward a longer-term commercial rollout. The initial two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

According to the press release, the aircraft will be utilized to launch commercial UAM services, specifically targeting sightseeing tours and last-mile transportation in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas. This aligns with AirX’s existing business model, which currently connects customers with helicopter operators for similar services.

Integration of Vector Software

A critical component of this agreement is the adoption of Eve’s Vector software. As the UAM industry scales, managing low-altitude traffic will become increasingly complex. Eve describes Vector as an agnostic solution designed to address these challenges by optimizing fleet performance and ensuring safe separation between aircraft in urban environments.

Operational Context in Japan

AirX Inc. operates as a technology-driven charter agency, distinct from the Malta-based operator of the same name. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has established itself as Japan’s largest helicopter charter service platform. Through its digital platforms, AIROS Skyview and AIROS Charter, AirX books over 2,000 sightseeing flights and 200 charter flights annually.

By securing a firm order for Eve’s eVTOLs, AirX is positioning itself to transition from traditional helicopters to electric aircraft. Eve’s eVTOL design features a “Lift + Cruise” configuration, utilizing dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising. The aircraft is 100% electric and designed to be up to 90% quieter than equivalent helicopters, a vital specification for operations over noise-sensitive Japanese cities.

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The Reality of the 2029 Timeline

While the Japanese government has heavily promoted the “Air Mobility Revolution” with eyes on the 2025 Osaka World Expo, the 2029 delivery date in this agreement offers a pragmatic reality check for the industry. It suggests that while demonstration flights may occur sooner, robust commercial scaling is a late-2020s phenomenon.

The Platform Strategy

This deal highlights a shift in how operators are approaching the market. AirX is not a traditional airline but a digital platform, an “Uber for the skies.” By securing hardware from Eve and potentially other vendors (such as their reported interest in EHang aircraft), AirX is adopting a multi-vendor strategy. This reduces reliance on a single manufacturer’s certification timeline and allows them to build the customer layer independent of the hardware layer.

Certification Hurdles

Eve Air Mobility benefits from its relationship with Embraer, leveraging 50 years of aerospace certification experience. However, the regulatory path remains complex. Eve is pursuing type certification with ANAC in Brazil, followed by validation with the FAA in the United States. For operations in Japan, Eve will need to work with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to validate these foreign certifications, a process that competitors like SkyDrive are already navigating domestically.

About the Companies

Eve Air Mobility is a publicly traded company (NYSE: EVEX) dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Spun out of Embraer, it boasts one of the industry’s largest backlogs, with letters of intent for nearly 3,000 aircraft globally. Its portfolio includes the eVTOL aircraft, a global services and support network, and the Vector air traffic management software.

AirX Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates a unique business model that digitizes the booking process for helicopter charters and sightseeing. The company claims a record of zero accidents since its inception and aims to revolutionize short-distance travel in Japan by reducing cost and travel time through UAM technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Eve eVTOLs be flying in Japan?
The firm order states that the initial two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

What is the range of the Eve eVTOL?
The aircraft is designed with a range of approximately 60 miles (100 km), making it suitable for urban commuting and sightseeing.

Is this the only eVTOL AirX has ordered?
AirX is pursuing a diversified fleet strategy. In addition to the Eve order, reports indicate they have placed pre-orders for the EHang EH216, an autonomous aircraft from China.

What is the difference between a firm order and a letter of intent (LOI)?
A firm order represents a binding commitment to purchase, often involving a deposit or financial agreement. An LOI is generally a non-binding expression of interest. This agreement for two aircraft is a firm order, while the remaining 48 units are purchase rights (options).

Sources

• Eve Air Mobility Press Release