Embraer, Eve UAM, and Global Crossing (GlobalX) have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent for 200 of Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The potential sale is added to Eve’s current order backlog of 1,785 eVTOLs, expected to launch in 2026.

Chair and CEO of Global X, Ed Wegel, has said of the deal:

“We are honored to be working with Eve Air Mobility and believe their affiliation with Embraer ensures Eve will be the best positioned eVTOL OEM. These eVTOLs will enable us to expand our market throughout south Florida, bringing our customers to their flights at MIA and FLL, as well as local flying within Key West and all of the Keys, Naples, and Palm Beach. This will help extend and expand our brand.”

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The electric aircraft are set to start deliveries in 2026. Photo: Embraer

Developing Urban Air Mobility

The agreement follows Embraer and Eve’s formation of a consortium to explore the development of a “Concept of Operations” for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Miami, Florida. The group is comprised of Skyports, L3Harris Technologies, and the Community Air Mobility Initiative (CAMI).

Skyports develops and constructs infrastructure for UAM take-offs and landings, while L3Harris creates “next-generation” Air Traffic Management systems, and CAMI works to integrate UAM into communities responsibly.

Embraer has stated its partnership with GlobalX will provide the infrastructure needed to permit eVTOL flights and deploy the aircraft across its network. Co-CEO of Eve, Andre Stein, added:

“We are delighted with this partnership with GlobalX, which will maximize our efforts to structure UAM operations. Their experience as an airline will contribute to the expansion of Eve’s eVTOL deployment in North America. The partnership also ensures both companies’ commitment to delivering sustainable UAM and providing the community with better and faster solutions.”

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California-based Joby Aviation is just one of many companies developing eVTOL. It is currently in partnership with ANA to introduce air taxis to Osaka. Photo: Joby Aviation

What is the future of eVTOL?

The green-tinged resurgence of the UAM market has seen several companies start hedging their bets on sustainable, electric aircraft development. Intercity V/STOL has had waves of popularity since the 1950s (See: Fairey Rotodyne) but has never quite hit the mark; however, Embraer and Eve hope to change this.

Embraer is currently engaging in discussions with FAA and CAA to facilitate type certification of the Eve aircraft, having already formalized the process with Brazil’s ANAC. The United Kingdom has shown interest in the plane's potential to provide better connections across crowded cities like London.

Airbus is also dipping its toes into the eVTOL market, with the zero-emissions CityAirbus NextGen, while Lilium currently holds orders from Azul Airlines for 220 of their electric aircraft.

ANA has partnered with Joby Aviation to launch air taxi services between Kansai International Airport and Osaka Station. AirAsia and lessors Avolon has secured an order for at least 100 of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 aircraft.

What do you think of GlobalX potentially operating eVTOL aircraft? Will you be flying one? Let us know in the comments section.