Aerospace

A New Era for Bangalore: Eve Air Mobility and Hunch Mobility Redefine Commuting with eVTOL

In a pioneering collaboration, Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) and Hunch Mobility (“Hunch Mobility”), a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDE), have unveiled plans to initiate the first electric commuter flights to Bangalore, India. This strategic announcement designates Bangalore as the inaugural city in the region to host urban air mobility flights facilitated by electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.

Key Points:

Partnership Announcement:
- Eve Air Mobility (Eve) and Hunch Mobility are collaborating to introduce electric commuter flights in Bangalore, India.
- Bangalore will be the launch city in the region for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Both companies will work with local, state, and federal officials, as well as infrastructure, energy, and technology providers.
- The goal is to establish the necessary infrastructure for the introduction of eVTOL flights in Bangalore.
Urban Air Mobility in India:
- The collaboration aims to co-create an urban air mobility ecosystem in India, addressing transportation challenges in densely populated cities.
Market Significance:
- India is identified as a crucial market for urban air mobility, offering an efficient and affordable mode of transportation to ease commuting in highly populated cities.
Commitment to Sustainability:
- The partnership emphasizes the commitment to contribute to India’s growth by reducing road congestion through eVTOL flights.
- eVTOL flights are expected to democratize short-haul air mobility with affordable fares and zero carbon emissions.
Bangalore’s Significance:
- Bangalore, with a population of over 13 million, is chosen as the launch city due to its high population density.
- The introduction of eVTOL flights is expected to reduce carbon footprint, noise, and flying costs.
Eve’s eVTOL Features:
- Eve’s eVTOL is 100% electric with a range of 100 kilometers (60 miles).
- It employs a lift + cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruise.
Pilot Project and Data Collection:
- Eve was the first eVTOL manufacturer to announce a Letter of Intent (LOI) in India with Hunch Mobility committing to purchase 200 eVTOLs.
- A three-month-long pilot project was conducted in Bangalore to collect data on operations and customer experiences.
Economic Impact:
- Introduction of eVTOL flights is expected to create new employment opportunities, including pilots, technicians, training, and technical services.
- The development of necessary infrastructure is anticipated to contribute economic value to the community.
Timeline for Service:
- Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to enter into service in 2026, offering a quick and economical transportation option in Bangalore’s urban environment.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.