Beta technologies Alia eCTOL

Hawaii is the Ideal AAM Testing Ground

by with No Comment BETA TechnologieseIPPInfrastructure & OperationsRegional Electric Aviation

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.

FAA

FAA’s New Radio Altimeter Rules: What They Mean for Advanced Air Mobility and 5G

by with No Comment Breaking NewseCTOLeSTOLeVTOLInfrastructureNewsTechnologyUAS - Drones

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.

eHang 216S

EHang VT35: How China’s New Long‑Range eVTOL Changes the Game

by with No Comment AAMeVTOL

EHang’s VT35 is more than a new airframe; it is the long‑range link that turns today’s EH216‑S urban air taxi routes into a wider, intercity network. With a 200 km design range, compatibility with existing vertiports, and strong backing from Hefei’s low‑altitude economy strategy, the VT35 shows how China plans to scale autonomous passenger eVTOLs from sightseeing flights to everyday regional transport.