United announced today (08) a US$15 million investment in Embraer's Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat eVTOL electric aircraft and 200 options, with first deliveries expected in 2026.
The deal marks another significant investment by United in air taxis – or eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), which have the potential to revolutionize the traveler experience in cities around the world.
Under the of the agreement, the companies intend to work on future projects, including studies on the development, use and application of Eve's aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem.
“United makes early investments in a number of cutting-edge technologies at all levels of the supply chain, strengthening our leadership position in aviation sustainability and innovation”, explains Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures.
“Today, United makes history again by becoming the first major airline to publicly invest in two eVTOL companies. Our agreement with Eve shows our confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as a benchmark towards our goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050 – without the use of traditional offsets.”
"Together, we believe our suite of clean energy technologies will revolutionize air travel as we know it and serve as a catalyst for the aviation industry to move towards a sustainable future."
"United's investment in Eve reinforces confidence in our products and services and strengthens our position in the North American market," complements André Stein, co-CEO of Eve.
“I am confident that our agnostic urban air mobility solutions, in combination with the global market knowledge developed by Eve and Embraer's heritage, are best suited for this initiative, providing United customers with a fast, cost-effective and sustainable way to access the company's air hubs and travel in dense urban environments.”
"Working with United is an unparalleled opportunity to advance the UAM ecosystem in the US and we are excited."
United was the first major US airline to create a venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV), designed to the airline's 100% green commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, without the use of traditional compensations.
Through the UAV, United has led the industry in investing in eVTOLs and electric aircraft, hydrogen combustion cell engines and sustainable aviation fuel. Last month, United made a $10 million deposit to a Californian eVTOL company for 100 aircraft.
United's investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the urban air mobility market and by Eve's unique relationship with Embraer, a trusted aircraft manufacturer whose track record in aircraft production and certification is proven by its 53 years of history.
This relationship includes access to Embraer's service centers, parts depots and field service technicians, which paves the way for reliable operation. Upon entry into service, United will be able to have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by Eve's agnostic services and operations.
In addition, United has ed the consortium led by Eve in Chicago, which will simulate UAM operations starting September 12th.
Instead of traditional combustion engines, the eVTOL is designed to use electric motors, providing carbon-free flying, and will be used as an 'air taxi' in urban markets.
Eve's design features a conventional fixed wing, rotors and thrusters, a practical and intuitive vertical takeoff and cruise flight design that favors safety, efficiency, reliability and certifiability.
With a range of 60 miles (100 kilometers), the aircraft has the potential not only to offer a sustainable journey, but also to reduce the noise level by 90% when compared to a conventional aircraft.
Eve is also creating an air traffic management solution designed to safely evolve the UAM industry. The software has the same level of security as Embraer's air traffic management software, which should be a strategic asset to help the industry grow.
Street: Eve – Embraer
