Moorabbin-based helicopter company Microflite has signed a partnership with Embraer spin-off Eve Urban Air Mobility to develop electric vertical aircraft (EVA) capability for use in Australia, Embraer announced overnight.
Microflite operates a fleet of 19 helicopters including EC120s, Squirrels, H135 and a Bell 212. The partnership will see some of the fleet used as proof-of-concept to validate parameters that will apply to future electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations.
Microflite has been working with Eve since 2019 by contributing to the Concept of Operations developed jointly between Eve and Airservices Australia. This work laid the foundation for exploring new and practical concepts to safely facilitate the introduction of air taxis in Melbourne.
“This partnership is an exciting development for Microflite," said Microflite CEO Jonathan Booth. "Australia needs a post-COVID lift and what better way to do that than by developing high-tech and low carbon jobs that support transport, tourism and the vibrancy of this wonderful country.
"Microflite will work closely with Eve and its partners to evaluate the best path to bring this innovative service to customers,”
Andre Stein, President and CEO of Eve Urban Air Mobility said the new partnership would allow Eve to inject innovation and new mobility solutions within the Australian market.
"We can deliver a comprehensive solution, including maintenance services and air traffic management, getting ready to introduce our aircraft to Australia, while benefiting from Microflite’s extensive local operational experience,” he said.
Microflite and Eve Urban Mobility are targetting 2026 for the EVAs to enter service.