Industry news digest · Urban Air Mobility News
Electra announced the successful takeoff and landing of its hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft at Downtown Skyport heliport in Lower Manhattan, marking what is believed to be the first landing of a fixed-wing aircraft without vertical takeoff capability at this site
The aircraft combines hybrid-electric propulsion with blown-lift technology enabling takeoff and landing within 150 feet, allowing use of existing infrastructure like heliports, barges, and fields without runways. The company claims this capability will transform regional mobility by connecting passengers directly from origin to destination
Source: Urban Air Mobility NewsOn October 30, 2026, EHang announced the establishment of a regional hub in Thailand to support deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across Southeast Asia and emerging markets. The company plans to deploy a fleet of 25 pilotless EH216-S eVTOLs in Thailand for flight validation and operational preparation
Read story
Two electric prototype aircraft landed at Tampa International Airport as part of Florida Department of Transportation's evaluation of a planned statewide aerial highway network. The flights included a Joby Aviation eVTOL aircraft that took off from Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg and landed in Tampa after local airspace operations
Read storyThe Florida Department of Transportation announced completion of initial demonstration flights under the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program, partnering with Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies. The flights tested cargo deliveries and routes over Tampa Bay using electric conventional and vertical takeoff aircraft
Read story