United Airlines and Eve Air Mobility have announced plans to launch an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft route in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Details on the project were announced on June 14, 2023, and will see both companies working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate network is in place.
Eve’s eVTOL is 100% electric and has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometers) allowing it to complete a variety of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) missions in the San Francisco Bay Area.
According to Eve its aircraft will give United’s customers a “quick, economical and lower-carbon way to get to its hub airports and commute in dense urban environments, as compared with conventional air taxis and other forms of traditional public transportation”.
“Our shared goal is to provide residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay area with efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the U.S.,” said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility.”
The companies are also working together to identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for UAM.
“Urban Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionize how United customers work, live, and travel,” said Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures. “Eve’s proposed route is a critical first step towards making this all-electric and quiet commute a reality for Bay Area residents.”
In 2022, United announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs plus 200 options.
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.
On March 23, 2023, United Airlines and Archer Aviation announced that plans were afoot to launch a regular eVTOL aircraft service between Chicago O’Hare international airport (ORD), and Vertiport Chicago located in the heart of the city’s business area.
The two companies are working together with various other partners, which include the City of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Aviation, World Business Chicago, the State of Illinois, ComEd, and Vertiport Chicago, with the goal of starting operations in 2025.
Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to enter service in 2026.