Latest news with #sustainableAviation
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
FlyNow Aviation's eCopter Takes Flight
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA, June 30, 2025 / / -- We are thrilled to announce that FlyNow Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in the development of our modular eCopter family. In early June, our first untethered test flights were successfully completed at our newly secured testing site in Eastern Austria. This location enables unrestricted flight operations and accelerates our technical progress. Shaping the Future of Urban Air Mobility Since 2019, FlyNow Aviation has been advancing sustainable air mobility with a clear vision — to provide efficient, clean, and affordable flight solutions, suitable as well for urban applications. From our first modular flight tests in 2021 to the maiden flight of our full-scale 1:1 prototype in 2023, our team has been committed to revolutionizing 3D mobility through technical simplicity, cost efficiency, and uncompromising safety standards. Starting in 2023, we conducted extensive flight testing at Salzburg Airport (LOWS), where safety regulations require tethered operations due to nearby air traffic and infrastructure. These tethered flights were crucial for system validation and allowed us to collect valuable data and train the flight control computer. Building on this foundation, we have now successfully transitioned to untethered flight testing at our newly secured test site in Eastern Austria. 'Every milestone brings us closer to making urban air mobility a reality for everyone. The successful untethered flight of our eCopter is not just a technical achievement — it's visible proof that our vision works. Many didn't take our tethered flights seriously, but seeing is believing. With this free flight, we've shown that FlyNow is ready to lift urban mobility off the ground,' said Yvonne Winter, Co-Founder and COO of FlyNow Aviation GmbH. 'We focus on reducing complexity and maximizing safety — principles that are essential for scalable, sustainable air transport.' What This Milestone Means The untethered test flights of the FlyNow eCopter focus on gathering extensive flight data under real-world conditions. These lower-altitude flights are essential to: - Validate system stability and safety - Optimize flight control and propulsion systems - Advance our modular platform toward full certification Having achieved our first certification milestone in 2022 in Specific Category SAIL II, FlyNow is now actively testing the second iteration of the eCopter and on the way towards SAIL IV that enables commercial cargo transportation. Looking Ahead FlyNow Aviation's roadmap includes launching commercial cargo operations by 2027. After accumulating over 1 million kilometers with the cargo version to meet the highest safety standards, passenger flights will follow, providing safe, low-emission, and affordable urban mobility. Our patented, counter-rotating rotor technology and modular design ensure: - Industry-leading low noise emissions (only 55 dB(A) at 150m altitude, comparable to the sound level of a dishwasher) - Exceptional efficiency and minimal energy consumption (30 kWh per 100 km) - Market-leading affordability, with up to 10x lower production costs compared to other solutions on the market – making a flight on the FlyNow eCopter as affordable as a regular taxi trip. 'Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is poised to become a transformative force in global infrastructure. As China accelerates its 'Low Altitude Economy,' the Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility ( — the strategic partnership between FlyNow Aviation and Skyroads with many aligned members — introduces a practical model: Automated Air Mobility. This innovation shifts the mobility paradigm from the software-driven era to a cyber-mechanical age, integrating AI into safe, analogue, sustainable transport systems,' Yvonne Winter said. About FlyNow Aviation FlyNow Aviation is revolutionizing the future of urban mobility with our fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called eCopter. These aircraft are designed to solve the growing issues of urban congestion and environmental degradation by offering an on-demand, fast, and efficient mode of transport. The eCopter family includes a one- and two-seater for personal transportation, a cargo version with a 200 kg payload capable of carrying a standard Euro pallet, as well as dedicated firefighting and rescue models — offering maximum flexibility for diverse urban and regional applications. FlyNow's eCopters come with several advantages, including production costs up to 10 times lower than competing technologies, unparalleled energy efficiency with longer flight times and greater range, and minimal noise emissions, ensuring a seamless passenger experience and positive social reception. Our ability to operate large fleets profitably, coupled with rapid certification readiness, positions FlyNow as a leader in the quickly evolving urban air mobility market. With these cutting-edge features, FlyNow is reshaping the way cities will handle air transportation, offering a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative to traditional ground transportation. Iana Ponomarenko FlyNow Aviation [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Zawya
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
FlyNow Aviation's eCopter takes flight
We are thrilled to announce that FlyNow Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in the development of our modular eCopter family. In early June, our first untethered test flights were successfully completed at our newly secured testing site in Eastern Austria. This location enables unrestricted flight operations and accelerates our technical progress. Shaping the Future of Urban Air Mobility Since 2019, FlyNow Aviation has been advancing sustainable air mobility with a clear vision — to provide efficient, clean, and affordable flight solutions, suitable as well for urban applications. From our first modular flight tests in 2021 to the maiden flight of our full-scale 1:1 prototype in 2023, our team has been committed to revolutionizing 3D mobility through technical simplicity, cost efficiency, and uncompromising safety standards. Starting in 2023, we conducted extensive flight testing at Salzburg Airport (LOWS), where safety regulations require tethered operations due to nearby air traffic and infrastructure. These tethered flights were crucial for system validation and allowed us to collect valuable data and train the flight control computer. Building on this foundation, we have now successfully transitioned to untethered flight testing at our newly secured test site in Eastern Austria. 'Every milestone brings us closer to making urban air mobility a reality for everyone. The successful untethered flight of our eCopter is not just a technical achievement — it's visible proof that our vision works. Many didn't take our tethered flights seriously, but seeing is believing. With this free flight, we've shown that FlyNow is ready to lift urban mobility off the ground,' said Yvonne Winter, Co-Founder and COO of FlyNow Aviation GmbH. 'We focus on reducing complexity and maximizing safety — principles that are essential for scalable, sustainable air transport.' What This Milestone Means The untethered test flights of the FlyNow eCopter focus on gathering extensive flight data under real-world conditions. These lower-altitude flights are essential to: • Validate system stability and safety Optimize flight control and propulsion systems Advance our modular platform toward full certification Having achieved our first certification milestone in 2022 in Specific Category SAIL II, FlyNow is now actively testing the second iteration of the eCopter and on the way towards SAIL IV that enables commercial cargo transportation. Looking Ahead FlyNow Aviation's roadmap includes launching commercial cargo operations by 2027. After accumulating over 1 million kilometers with the cargo version to meet the highest safety standards, passenger flights will follow, providing safe, low-emission, and affordable urban mobility. Our patented, counter-rotating rotor technology and modular design ensure: • Industry-leading low noise emissions (only 55 dB(A) at 150m altitude, comparable to the sound level of a dishwasher) Exceptional efficiency and minimal energy consumption (30 kWh per 100 km) • Market-leading affordability, with up to 10x lower production costs compared to other solutions on the market – making a flight on the FlyNow eCopter as affordable as a regular taxi trip. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is poised to become a transformative force in global infrastructure. As China accelerates its 'Low Altitude Economy,' the Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility ( — the strategic partnership between FlyNow Aviation and Skyroads with many aligned members — introduces a practical model: Automated Air Mobility. This innovation shifts the mobility paradigm from the softwaredriven era to a cyber-mechanical age, integrating AI into safe, analogue, sustainable transport systems,' Yvonne Winter said. About FlyNow Aviation FlyNow Aviation is revolutionizing the future of urban mobility with our fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called eCopter. These aircraft are designed to solve the growing issues of urban congestion and environmental degradation by offering an on-demand, fast, and efficient mode of transport. The eCopter family includes a one- and two-seater for personal transportation, a cargo version with a 200 kg payload capable of carrying a standard Euro pallet, as well as dedicated firefighting and rescue models — offering maximum flexibility for diverse urban and regional applications. FlyNow's eCopters come with several advantages, including production costs up to 10 times lower than competing technologies, unparalleled energy efficiency with longer flight times and greater range, and minimal noise emissions, ensuring a seamless passenger experience and positive social reception. Our ability to operate large fleets profitably, coupled with rapid certification readiness, positions FlyNow as a leader in the quickly evolving urban air mobility market. With these cutting-edge features, FlyNow is reshaping the way cities will handle air transportation, offering a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative to traditional ground transportation. Read more about FlyNow Aviation FlyNow Contact Information for Media: Iana Ponomarenko Marketing ip@
Skift
19-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Wizz Air Cuts Emissions Per Passenger, But Climate Impact Is Rising
Wizz Air's path to net zero is paved with low-emissions aircraft and ambitious targets. But without breakthroughs in sustainable fuel and supportive regulation, the airline and the wider industry may fall short of climate goals. Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost carrier, has cut emissions per passenger to some of the lowest levels in the industry. But as the airline rapidly expands, its overall climate impact is rising, with total emissions more than doubling since 2019. In its latest sustainability report for the year ending March 2025, the low-cost airline said its carbon intensity - a measure of emissions per passenger - fell to 52.2 grams of CO₂ per passenger-kilometer. That's lower than many of Wizz's rivals and the airline credits the low level to investment in part to more fuel-efficient aircraft. Low-cost carriers like Wizz, Ryanair and EasyJet tend to have lower emissions per passenger than traditional airlines because they carry more people per flight. No business class, fewer empty seats, and tight cabin configurations all mean more passengers are sharing each litre of fuel. In 2024, EasyJet reported 66.64 grams per passenger kilometre on average, while Ryanair averaged around 64 grams. Fleet Strategy vs. Emissions Reality Wizz added 26 new Airbus A321neo jets over the year, bringing its total fleet to 231 aircraft. Most of those are NEO models, which are significantly more fuel efficient. Wizz said it aims to operate an all-NEO fleet by 2029. 'Our emissions per passenger remain among the lowest in the industry,' said Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air's Corporate and ESG Officer. 'This underscores our commitment to minimizing environmental impact on a per-flight basis.' Because of the growth, despite carbon intensity improvements, Wizz Air's absolute emissions have nearly doubled since 2019, a reminder that efficiency alone doesn't equate to sustainability. Moynihan attributed the rise to rapid expansion under Wizz Air's 'WIZZ500' vision, which targets a doubling of the fleet by 2033. 'This growth contributes to higher overall emissions,' she said. 'But we emphasize carbon intensity per passenger-kilometer as a more relevant metric for assessing environmental impact.' Long-Term Net Zero Strategy Wizz Air reiterated its ambition to reduce their emissions to almost zero by 2050. The company said that this is structured around three pillars: Aircraft fleet renewal: This will account for 30% of the planned reduction. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): 53% of total fuel use by 2050. Air traffic management and operational improvements: To help reduce emission by 4%. Moynihan acknowledged that deeper emissions cuts will depend on scaling up SAF, which remains marginal across the industry. Wizz has not disclosed the current share of SAF in its operations. 'We are actively pursuing fleet renewal and operational efficiency,' Moynihan said. 'But broader reforms are needed across the industry to ensure success.' Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Eve Air Mobility announces up to $15.8m. FINEP grant
Eve Air Mobility secures $15.8m. grant from FINEP to advance sustainable urban air mobility technologies and eVTOL operational infrastructure in Brazil. SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Eve Air Mobility announced that it has been selected in a public call by FINEP, Brazil's Funding Authority for Studies and Projects, to receive a grant of up to $15.8 million1. The total project investment amount is up to $33.8 million2, combining the FINEP grant with Eve's required company contribution. This is the first grant (non-repayable funding) awarded to Eve, reinforcing the company's leadership in developing innovative solutions for sustainable urban air mobility. The grant, awarded under FINEP's public selection for 'Technologies for More Sustainable Aviation', is aligned with the strategic focus areas defined by the call, such as autonomous flight systems, advanced energy storage, hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) testing, noise reduction, efficient aircraft configurations, new materials, and advanced air traffic management systems for advanced air mobility (AAM). Eve's project will prioritize the areas most relevant to its innovation roadmap. 'This partnership with FINEP marks a pivotal milestone for Eve and the broader Brazilian aerospace ecosystem', said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. 'Our mission is to reimagine people's relationship with time, space, and the city by creating safe, sustainable, and efficient air mobility experiences. Leveraging from Embraer's 55-year legacy and our innovative mindset, this grant will enable us to accelerate the development of advanced digital solutions and technologies that will shape the future of urban air mobility in Brazil and beyond'. Luiz Mauad, Vice President of Customer Services at Eve, added: 'Supporting the future operation of eVTOLs requires a robust digital backbone — this is the foundation for scalable AAM operations. By developing our digital platforms and service solutions in parallel with our aircraft, we empower our customers with an integrated, one-stop-shop experience that ensures operational efficiency, safety, and high availability from day one'. Elias Ramos de Souza, President of FINEP, stated that: 'This project represents our belief that eVTOLs are a future disruptive trend in the UAM scenario. We are very glad to partner with Eve in this endeavor, in a funding that enhances our position of more than BRL 1 billion in support to Embraer and its investees.' A central pillar of this project is the advancement of Eve's digital ecosystem, including the continued development of Eve TechCare – its fully integrated aftermarket services platform. Eve TechCare is a pioneer all-in-one suite of solutions designed to streamline eVTOL operations by providing the industry's most comprehensive services, expert customer support, and cutting-edge operational solutions. The aftermarket portfolio consists of technical support and solutions, MRO services, parts and battery solutions, as well as training services and flight operations solutions. Eve TechCare's service and support solutions will cover all the operational aspects necessary to ensure the daily eVTOL operation. The company is advancing the current stage of the eVTOL development, which involves a series of comprehensive tests with the prototype to evaluate every aspect of the aircraft's operation and performance, from flight capabilities to safety features. 1 Equivalent amount in US dollars; BRL 90 million in local currency (Brazilian real – BRL). 2 Equivalent amount in US dollars; BRL 191 million in local currency (Brazilian real – BRL).
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Airlines stick to net zero target despite green fuel doubts
Global airlines wrapped up a two-day summit on Tuesday sticking to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, but voicing fresh worries about the availability of greener fuels and new planes. The International Air Transport Association, which represents about 350 airlines, said hitting the target would cost carriers $4.7 trillion, or $174 billion a year - at least some of which is likely to be passed on as higher fares. Despite earlier signs that some airlines were growing more sceptical about the chances of reaching the target, IATA avoided re-opening a sensitive debate on net zero as bosses pointed to a narrow window for the industry to meet its goals. But they stepped up criticism of energy companies, accusing them of adding arbitrary charges in Europe, and planemakers that have failed to deliver efficient jets on time. "We still have time to get there, but we do need to see more action on the part of all of the partners in the value chain to make sure that the industry can get there," said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. In April, Walsh had issued a warning that the net zero emissions agenda was sliding off course, in comments that appeared designed to trigger discussion about the challenges. On Tuesday, Walsh said there had been no talk of any delay in the target at this week's annual meeting in New Delhi. The industry's sustainability efforts are largely centred around plant-based sustainable aviation fuels. But with current supplies covering just a fraction of airlines' fuel needs, carriers urged governments and energy firms to do more. "The oil companies are obviously not producing (enough) SAF," said IATA's Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen. The energy industry insists enough SAF is available in Europe for the time being after a spate of investments, with some executives and analysts saying markets are oversupplied. "There should be more than enough global SAF supply to meet mandated demand in Europe in the early stages," specialist publication Argus Media said in a December study. But Walsh said many airlines around the world were unable to procure SAF without importing it over large distances, which would defeat the aim of reducing emissions. European industry association FuelsEurope did not respond to a request for comment. 'WANING ENTHUSIASM' The meeting saw a shift in tone barely four years after the industry committed to step up plans to tackle climate change amid mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups. "There's a level of scepticism and perhaps you could even say sort of waning enthusiasm for the overall energy transition," said Patrick Healy, group chair at Cathay Pacific. Airlines see higher profits in 2025, cushioned from the worst effects of global trade tensions by falling prices of traditional jet fuel. Rob McLeod, head of energy risk solutions at Hartree Partners, urged airlines to use the savings from fuel costs to invest more in SAF to help address concerns over funding the transition. U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war has cast a shadow over the industry's outlook by driving up operating costs and hitting travel demand. New fuel-efficient jets are expected to help the decarbonisation drive. But production delays at Boeing and Airbus have forced carriers to keep older generation planes in the air. "Everyone's realising that it's a lot more complicated than we thought a few years ago," Healy said. The summit, hosted by budget airline IndiGo, was also a celebration of India's emergence as one of the hottest aviation markets. In a rare attendance by a major leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country's carriers were poised to keep buying after placing "orders for more than 2,000 new jets." It also marked a new chapter for the 80-year-old IATA as it inducted low-cost pioneer Southwest Airlines as a member. The U.S. carrier for long symbolised a revolt against traditional airlines, though analysts say Southwest now resembles its main full-service rivals as costs rise. (Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh Editing by Mark Potter)
