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With the next generation of aircraft preparing to enter the market with a slew of new infrastructure, regulations and travel, one study found that this could help bolster remote communities.
Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian-based leader in eVTOL vehicles, conducted a nationwide study that revealed the launch of air taxi services could play a crucial role in the revitalization of rural communities. Government data showed that one in nine Canadians are living in remote areas, accounting for 74.6 percent of the Canadian land mass. The study found that two out of three people living in remote communities, amounting to about 66 percent, would welcome the use of air taxis as a solution to many of the problems remote communities face like access to transport, isolation, and the unreliable supply of goods and medical supplies.
Many Canadians are receptive to the idea of air taxis and eVTOLs and 60 percent said they would be happy to travel in a regulatory agency-approved air taxi, with 48 percent sharing they would be happy to use them once they are commercially operational. About 48 percent of people would be happy to fly in eVTOLs in countries outside of Canada. Based on Horizon's research, the introduction of air taxis could increase interest in moving to Canada and moving to remote areas. About 45 percent would consider a move if eVTOLs were available to allow for travel and a stronger supply chain.
When it comes to the safety of the new sector in aviation, about 70 percent said that safety issues were important and 67 percent stressed the need for well-trained pilots. About 56 percent said cost would be an important factor and 28 percent said comfort was important.
"Properly designed eVTOLs could have multiple uses including urban transport, air ambulances, cargo transport, military and wildfire service use but in Canada, they are particularly suited to addressing the issues faced by people living in remote communities," Horizon Aircraft CEO Brandon Robinson said. "It is interesting to see that so many Canadians would consider moving to more remote areas if they could rely on safe and secure air taxi services."
Horizon is currently building an eVTOL designed with a hybrid electric power system, making it so that after its vertical takeoff, it can recharge its batteries en route. The Cavorite X7 is designed for longer-range regional passenger, cargo or special missions. These eVTOL aircraft will eventually be licensed for commercial use and reliable for use in medical evacuations, supply delivery, disaster relief and special military missions. The company is testing its eVTOL and hopes to win grants and a U.S. Department of Defense advanced research and development contract award.
In the U.S. there are several eVTOL companies working on certifying aircraft. Archer's Midnight eVTOL took flight in October and in September Joby delivered its first eVTOL to a U.S. Air Force base. Both Archer and Joby are rapidly progressing with testing and certification for their respective eVTOL aircraft. Textron is testing its eVTOL Nexus and SkyDrive is introducing its eVTOL to South Carolina. Overseas, the fuselage assembly began for the German-based Lilium's eVTOL Lilium Jet in September and England's Vertical Aerospace has been testing its VX4 eVTOL. Embraer's Eve completed wind tunnel and propeller testing for its eVTOL in May.RELATED STORIES:Archer's Midnight eVTOL takes flightWisk Aero performs first public air taxi flights in Los Angeles regionJoby delivers first eVTOL to USAF baseFuselage assembly begins on eVTOL Lilium Jet; aircraft looks to fly next yearEve completes propeller testing on eVTOL, updates completion timeline
On top of the numerous developments in eVTOL aircraft in the U.S., companies like Archer are also working to implement infrastructure and travel routes to launch commercial air taxi services once its eVTOL enters the market. United and Archer announced the first commercial air taxi service route in the Chicago area in March. Wisk Aero became the first eVTOL air taxi company to conduct flights in Los Angeles County with a series of tests at the Long Beach Airport (LGB). The introduction of air taxi services in the U.S. has been largely urban-centered, in cities like L.A., Chicago and New York. But like in Canada, the rural communities of the U.S. could benefit from better access to travel and supplies.
General Aviation already plays a vital role in rural or remote communities across the U.S. In small communities where there is limited access to travel infrastructure, air travel is essential. Remote areas in Alaska and Hawaii rely on planes for supplies and medical transport, lacking access to roads or the mainland. Planes are used to fly passengers, cargo, for medical transport, search and rescue and disaster relief. When emergencies like the fire in Maui arise, the aviation community is essential to transport crucial supplies and medical relief. With the introduction of eVTOL infrastructure and aircraft, rural communities will continue to benefit.