Electra has been named the premier private company participant in the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA’s inaugural eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. With 2,200 pre-orders worth nearly $10 billion and a hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet, Electra is making a compelling case that advanced air mobility doesn’t need airports — it just needs the right aircraft.
The aviation infrastructure landscape is evolving from single-purpose vertiports to multiports that combine eVTOLs, electric short takeoff and landing aircraft, conventional planes, and ground transportation. This integration solves the financial viability challenge that has plagued standalone vertiport concepts.
Hawaii is positioning itself for federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program selection through a partnership combining existing airline operations with electric aircraft technology. Surf Air Mobility, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and BETA Technologies submitted a joint eIPP application on January 27, leveraging Mokulele Airlines’ position as Hawaii’s largest commuter carrier by scheduled departures. The partnership plans to initially conduct cargo missions between Mokulele’s existing interisland routes using BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft, building on the airline’s 36,000 flights in 2025 averaging 51 miles, ideal for first generation electric aircraft. If selected, the initiative would advance electric aviation through real world regional airline integration rather than theoretical deployment scenarios.
Cybersecurity is rapidly becoming one of the most critical challenges for advanced air mobility. In this episode, AJ Khan of Vehiqilla explains why a holistic, ecosystem-wide approach is vital to protect fleets, infrastructure, and passengers in a world where every connection is a potential risk.
The FAA has released a proposed rule that would require most U.S. aircraft to upgrade their radio altimeters to withstand 5G interference. This change will affect not only airlines and business jets, but also future advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft that rely on precise low‑altitude height data for safe urban operations.
The eVTOL Show 2025 in Palo Alto, chaired by Nicolas Zart, redefined industry conferences with its single-day, high-impact format, live eVTOL displays, and in-depth technical sessions, making it the definitive gathering for AAM professionals.
The United States has released its first Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, setting ambitious targets for initial operations by 2027 and fully autonomous flights by 2035. The comprehensive plan includes 40 recommendations across six critical pillars and establishes the U.S. as a global leader in next-generation aviation infrastructure.
Electra.aero has applied for FAA Part 23 certification for its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, marking a major step toward commercial service. Simultaneously, the company launched “Electra Defense” to adapt its ultra-short takeoff and landing technology for military logistics, offering runway-independent operations for the U.S. Armed Forces.
n this episode of The Ways We Move podcast, host Nicolas Zart explores an unexpected hero in the sustainable mobility revolution: cork. This 5,000-year-old material, traditionally associated with wine bottles and bulletin boards, is quietly reshaping how we design everything from electric vehicles to spacecraft and could soon play a crucial role in advanced air mobility.
See what has happened from October and November in AAM news. Piper to MD Aircraft, BETA Technology, magnix, Electra, and Joby