Eve Air Mobility Signs eVTOL Leasing LOI at Farnborough 2026

Eve Air Mobility and Shearwater Global Capital signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for up to 16 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on July 19, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow. The agreement introduces a dedicated leasing model to the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, allowing future operators to launch electric air taxi services without the capital burden of outright aircraft purchases.

Announced via a company press release, the deal marks a significant step for institutional aviation finance entering the AAM market. Shearwater Global Capital, which joined Bay Point in April 2026 to establish an aviation finance vertical, intends to purchase the Eve 100 aircraft and lease them downstream to carriers.

Leasing model lowers barriers for operators

By acting as a lessor, Shearwater aims to provide financing solutions that reduce the upfront capital requirements for airlines and operators looking to integrate eVTOLs into their fleets. This approach mirrors traditional commercial aviation finance, where leasing companies hold significant portions of the global fleet to distribute financial risk and enable operator growth.

“This order reflects our confidence in Eve’s technology, leadership team, and vision for advanced air mobility,” said Chris Miller, Managing Director of Aviation at Shearwater Global Capital. He noted that the firm intends to play a leading role in supporting the global growth of the sector through these leasing structures.

Eve Air Mobility expands Farnborough footprint

The agreement with Shearwater is a non-binding LOI, and specific delivery dates and financial terms have not been disclosed by the companies. The announcement coincided with a separate LOI signed on July 19, 2026, between Eve Air Mobility and Moov Airways for up to 30 eVTOL aircraft intended for tourism and regional mobility in Cabo Verde.

Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, welcomed the partnership, stating that the company looks forward to supporting Shearwater as it brings leasing solutions to the market. The commercial momentum at Farnborough was accompanied by regulatory progress, as Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) published proposed noise certification criteria for the Eve 100 on the same day.

AirPro News analysis

We view the entry of established aviation finance entities like Shearwater Global Capital into the eVTOL space as a critical maturation point for the AAM industry. While manufacturers have accumulated thousands of conditional orders, the transition from non-binding LOIs to firm, funded contracts requires robust financing mechanisms. The lessor model will likely be essential for AAM adoption, as many early operators will lack the balance sheet strength to acquire fleets of Eve 100 aircraft outright. The concurrent progress on ANAC noise certification criteria provides a necessary regulatory foundation to support these future financial commitments.

Sources: Eve Air Mobility / Embraer