Airline signs purchase agreement for up to 400 Eve eVTOLs aimed at revolutionizing the passenger experience in cities around the world
United today announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft and 200 more options, with first deliveries expected as early as 2026. The deal marks another significant investment by United in air cabs – or eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), which have the potential to revolutionize the traveler experience in cities around the world. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies intend to work on future projects, including studies on the development, use and application of Eve’s aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem.
“United is making early investments in several cutting-edge technologies at all levels of the supply chain, strengthening our leadership position in aviation sustainability and innovation,” explains Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures. “Today, United is making history again by becoming the first major airline to publicly invest in two eVTOLs companies. Our agreement with Eve shows our confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as a benchmark toward our goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050 – without the use of traditional offsets. Together, we believe our suite of clean energy technologies will revolutionize air travel as we know it and serve as a catalyst for the aviation industry to move toward a sustainable future.”
“United’s investment in Eve reinforces confidence in our products and services and strengthens our position in the North American market,” adds Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve. “I am confident that our agnostic urban air mobility solutions, in combination with Eve’s developed global market knowledge and Embraer heritage, are the best fit for this initiative, providing United’s customers with a fast, cost-effective and sustainable way to access the company’s air hubs and get around in dense urban environments. Working with United is an unparalleled opportunity to advance the UAM ecosystem in the U.S. and we are excited.”
United was the first major U.S. airline to create a venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV), designed to support the company’s 100% green commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 without the use of traditional offsets. Through UAV, United has been leading industry investments in eVTOLs and electric aircraft, hydrogen fuel cell engines, and sustainable aviation fuel. Last month, United made a $10 million deposit to a California eVTOLs company for 100 aircraft.
United’s investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the urban air mobility market and Eve’s unique relationship with Embraer, a trusted aircraft manufacturer whose track record in aircraft production and certification is evidenced by its 53-year history. This relationship includes access to Embraer’s service centers, parts depots and field service technicians, which paves the way for reliable operation. Upon entry into service, United will be able to have its entire fleet of eVTOLs serviced by Eve’s agnostic services and support operations.
In addition, United has joined the Eve-led consortium in Chicago that will simulate UAM operations beginning September 12.
Instead of traditional combustion engines, the eVTOL is designed to use electric motors, providing carbon-free flights, and will be used as an ‘air cab’ in urban markets. Eve’s design features a conventional fixed wing, rotors and thrusters, a practical and intuitive vertical take-off and cruise flight design that favors safety, efficiency, reliability and certifiability. With a range of 60 miles (100 kilometers), the aircraft has the potential not only to offer sustainable travel, but also to reduce noise levels by 90 percent compared to a conventional aircraft. Eve is also creating an air traffic management solution, designed to safely develop the UAM industry. The software has the same level of security as Embraer’s air traffic management software, which should be a strategic asset to help the industry grow.
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