Australia’s Sydney Seaplanes orders 50 eVTOL aircraft

Sydney Seaplanes (Sydney Rose Bay) has placed an order for 50 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Embraer subsidiary Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (Eve), with deliveries expected to commence from 2026.

The order forms part of a new partnership announced in a statement by the two companies on December 6, 2021.

In December 2020 Sydney Seaplanes announced plans to create an all-electric and zero-emissions regional airline called Alt Air (Sydney Rose Bay) – since delayed until the second quarter of 2022 – with the first all-electric flights planned as early as 2024. This followed a partnership with electric aircraft engine maker MagniX and Spain’s Dante Aeronautical in developing the world’s first electric Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Caravan Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) programme.

Introducing eVTOL aircraft offers an opportunity to extend the catchment of the Sydney Rose Bay aviation facilities to efficiently serve all of Greater Sydney. “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 Rose Bay aviation terminal in Sydney Harbour. This service will have a widespread appeal which will allow us to open new routes beyond the harbour and throughout the greater Sydney region,” said Chief Executive Officer Aaron Shaw.

Eve Urban Air Mobility President and Chief Executive Officer Andre Stein said the Greater Sydney market offered significant potential for scaled urban air mobility operations. “Eve will support this new partnership with comprehensive solutions for aircraft operations including air traffic management solutions, maintenance, training, and other services,” he said.

Embraer Group co-subsidiary Atech will provide the required air traffic management software.