GE Aerospace and BETA Complete Hybrid-Electric Assisted Takeoff Test on Saab 340B
Industry news digest · eVTOL Insights
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GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies completed a hybrid-electric assisted takeoff demonstration using a modified Saab 340B aircraft. The test involved one side powered by a conventional gas turbine and the other by a hybrid-electric system combining a modified gas engine, electric motors, and batteries to provide additional thrust during takeoff
GE Aerospace noted the hybrid-assisted takeoff was quieter than gas turbine power alone. This demonstration is part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, advancing hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for future commercial aviation
eVTOL Insights announced the judging panel for its 2027 Global Advanced Air Mobility Awards, featuring previous winners reviewing entries across more than 30 categories. The awards ceremony will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, following the Advanced Air Mobility conference in April 2027
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation announced plans to commence the country’s first commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations led by Chinese company EHang within the next two to three months, pending successful initial flight trials scheduled for November 11, 2026. The pilot project will initially focus on aerial tourism services in Colombo, with intentions to expand to other tourist destinations such as Sigiriya and Jaffna
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced the launch of the Neo K-UAM Grand Challenge (Neo GC) to restructure existing urban air mobility demonstration projects. The new program emphasizes advanced technical validation and regional commercialization testing, fostering collaboration between government and private sectors to tailor UAM services to regional needs