eVTOL

On November 17, 2025, EHang successfully completed pilotless urban air taxi flights in Doha, Qatar, with operational authorization from the QCAA. The flights, between the Port of Doha and Katara Cultural Village, demonstrated an 8-minute journey replacing a 30-minute car ride. This marks the first urban flights of a pilotless eVTOL in the Middle East. Future steps include phased AAM deployment, infrastructure development, and regulatory framework development to support commercial operations, contingent on further approvals.

Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its hybrid-electric defense aircraft, developed in collaboration with L3Harris. This milestone, achieved rapidly after the partnership announcement, highlights Joby’s agility in addressing evolving military needs amid shifting geopolitical priorities. While primarily focused on commercial eVTOLs, this venture showcases the versatility of Joby’s technology. The company is also pursuing FAA certification for commercial operations and expanding internationally, reflecting significant momentum in the broader advanced air mobility sector. Joby envisions future commercial applications for its hybrid technology.

Archer Aviation’s shares fell 8% after announcing a $650 million stock offering to fund the acquisition of Hawthorne Airport for its air taxi operations, despite beating Q3 loss estimates. The company reported a $129.9 million net loss versus the expected $178.6 million. The stock offering dilutes shares but supports Archer’s expansion plans, including becoming the official air taxi provider for the 2028 LA Olympics. Archer, along with competitors like Joby Aviation, is pursuing FAA certification and expanding globally, with significant operations in the UAE.

Beta Technologies, an electric aerospace company, debuted strongly on the NYSE, closing nearly 6% higher at $36 per share after pricing its IPO at $34. The IPO raised over $1 billion, valuing Beta at $7.4 billion. While Beta faces challenges like a $183.2 million net loss in the first half of the year, it anticipates FAA certification within 30 months. Major investors include Amazon and GE. Competitors Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation saw declines following Beta’s IPO, highlighting the eVTOL market’s volatility. Beta’s success is viewed as a bellwether for the eVTOL industry.

Eve Air Mobility and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation have signed a Framework Agreement to advance air mobility in the Middle East. This partnership aims to integrate eVTOL aircraft into Bahrain’s infrastructure, focusing on regulatory testing, vertiport development, and workforce training. Commercial operations are projected to begin in 2028, with international routes planned for 2029. Eve is also evaluating potential routes in regional hubs and designing eVTOLs tailored for the Middle East’s climate.

BETA Technologies filed for an IPO, aiming for a $7.2 billion valuation and seeking to raise up to $825 million. The electric aircraft manufacturer’s move comes amid growing investor interest in the eVTOL sector, fueled by government initiatives and partnerships. While BETA’s revenue doubled in the first half of 2025, net losses also widened. A $300 million investment from GE Aerospace signals confidence. BETA differentiates itself with cargo applications. The IPO’s success hinges on navigating regulations, scaling production, and achieving profitability.

The FAA announced a pilot program to accelerate air taxi integration, with Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation participating. This initiative aims to establish operational frameworks for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft through collaborative projects. The program follows an executive order promoting eVTOL development and aims to reduce emissions and congestion. Archer and Joby anticipate trial operations and FAA flight testing, respectively, emphasizing the potential for widespread air taxi services and U.S. leadership in advanced air mobility. Partnerships with entities like United Airlines and collaborations in the Middle East underscore global ambitions.

Archer Aviation plans to participate in the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), collaborating with airlines like United and U.S. cities. This initiative, under the “Unleashing Drone Dominance” Executive Order, establishes pre-certification operating environments for electric air taxis. Archer aims to conduct trial operations of its Midnight aircraft, demonstrating safety, noise reduction, and scalability. The eIPP facilitates early flights, advancing commercial eVTOL deployment by addressing regulatory hurdles, infrastructure needs, and financial viability, which are important aspects for community acceptance and scalability.

Uber plans to integrate Blade helicopter services into its app by 2026, leveraging its partnership with Joby Aviation. This follows Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business, excluding medical logistics. The move aims to introduce zero-emission aircraft for urban air mobility, building on Uber’s initial 2019 partnership and subsequent Elevate division divestment to Joby. While details are pending, the partnership seeks to provide customers with next-generation travel options. Success hinges on FAA approval, eVTOL production, and public acceptance in the competitive air taxi market.