Tourism and charter operator Sydney Seaplanes has placed an order for 50 Eve Urban Air Mobility electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The order was announced overnight by Eve parent company Embraer.
It is believed Sydney Seaplanes will operate the eVTOLs on air taxi and tourist flights in the greater Sydney area.
Sydney Seaplanes CEO Aaron Shaw said the aircraft are part of a program to transition the company to a cleaner operating future.
“This is an exciting development for Sydney Seaplanes," Shaw said. "Sydney needs a post-COVID lift and what better way to do that than by developing high-tech and zero-carbon jobs that support transport, tourism and the vibrancy of this wonderful city.
"Eve’s eVTOL technology will integrate seamlessly with our electric amphibious fleet to deliver a range of tourism and commuter journeys.
"Subject to community consultation, we expect some flights will operate from our iconic Rose Bay aviation terminal in Sydney Harbour. This service will have widespread appeal which will allow us to open new routes beyond the harbour and throughout the greater Sydney region."
"We are pleased to support Sydney Seaplanes as they seek to bring new mobility solutions to Sydney," said Andre Stein, President and CEO of Eve Urban Air Mobility.
"The Greater Sydney market offers significant potential for scaled urban air mobility operations, to make the most of the iconic beauty of Sydney Harbour and to improve the efficiency of movement to complement existing transport modes.
"Eve will support this new partnership with comprehensive solutions for aircraft operations including air traffic management solutions, maintenance, training, and other services."
Sydney Seaplanes expects to have the first of the eVTOLs in service in 2026.
This is the second deal announced this week for eVTOLs in Australia after northern operator Nautilus Aviation ordered 10 eVTOLs for tourist flights in the north of Australia.