Recaro Aircraft Seating has unveiled its solution for electrical vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVOTL) seats.
The concept was created in partnership with the Embraer spin-off Eve Air Mobility. It uses lightweight materials, such as high-grade aluminum, titanium, and composite materials, which ensures the seat maintains minimal weight, enabling energy- efficient flight operations.
. . . The Race
The seat design debuts as countries including the UAE, US, China, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and the UK race to get eVTOL off the ground. In UAE, Travel and Tour World notes that Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority plans to launch a commercial air taxi service by 2026 in partnership with German eVOTL manufacturer Volocopter, with routes initially connecting Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. In the US, United Airlines has partnered with Archer to launch the first commercial air taxi route between Newark Liberty International Airport and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Archer also plans to launch routes in Chicago, LA and San Francisco.
Saudi Arabia has placed a firm order for 50 Lilium Jets from Germany, and Spain is also reportedly testing eVTOL solutions with Volocopter. Meanwhile in China things are further ahead with Guangzhou-based company EHang conducting successful manned test flights of its autonomous EH216 two-seater aircraft. TTW adds that urban air corridors are also being planned in South Korea and Japan. The former targets full commercialisation of air taxis by 2025, while the Japanese government has pledged to support certification and infrastructure rollout by 2025. The UK is also looking at this tech, but the roll-out is reported as being slower due to its a policy-first stance. However, test flights are underway, with potential routes connecting London Heathrow, Canary Wharf, and other business hubs.
