Eve Holding Inc, a Brazilian electric aircraft maker controlled by Embraer SA, is on track to achieve its goal of starting commercial operations in 2026, according to Luiz Mauad, the vice president of services & fleet operations at Eve. Mauad highlighted that the certification of its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is the most immediate target, and that he expects progress to be made in establishing rules for the sector by authorities in 2023. Once established, this would pave the way for certification in a few years.
Eve has already launched a process for Brazil’s civil aviation regulator to certify its eVTOL aircraft, which has already garnered over 2,700 orders prior to the start of production. Mauad acknowledged that certifying an airplane, even a traditional one, is always a challenge, but expressed confidence in the “robust project,” which is backed by Embraer’s expertise. He noted that Eve already has the required funds for the project, following a listing on the New York Stock Exchange and additional funding from Brazil’s state development bank BNDES.
See also: Eve Energy Plans to Build Two New Production Facilities in China
Eve’s investors include United Airlines, Acciona SA, SkyWest Inc, Bradesco BBI, Rolls-Royce, Thales, and BAE Systems. The company also announced that it has been working on solutions such as a software for air traffic management. Mauad confirmed that Eve has a solid base of investment to make its project, company, and products viable, and that further investments may come if needed.
Consulting firm McKinsey recently hinted at potential consolidation in the sector, saying mergers and business closures could be seen as “players mature and it may become clearer what technologies, designs, and business models are likely to succeed.” Mauad acknowledged this possibility, but noted that Eve is still particularly focused on working through its partnerships.
