As the first major U.S. airline to create a venture fund dedicated solely to support its green commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, United Airlines (United) has agreed to purchase 200 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Eve, with an option for a further 200 aircraft. The deal will involve an initial investment of approximately US$15 million and deliveries are anticipated to commence in 2025.
Additionally, as part of the agreement, United and Eve will collaborate on future projects such as studies on the development, use and application of Eve’s aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) eco-system. This is another major investment by United in eVTOLs. In June last year, the carrier agreed to buy 250 VA-X4 eVTOLs from Vertical Aerospace for an estimated US$25 million with an option for a further 100 aircraft, while last month United put down a deposit of US$10 million with an order for 100 eVTOL taxis from California-based manufacturer Archer.
These three purchases are part of United’s intended US$1 billion investment in the future of aviation, in particular those new types of aircraft designed to fly over major congested cities. United’s investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the UAM market and Eve’s unique relationship with Embraer, a trusted aircraft manufacturer with a proven track record of building and certifying aircraft for the last 53 years. (£1.00 = US$1.16 at time of publication).
