In October 2021, during the 77th Annual General Assembly of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a resolution was passed to achieve net zero carbon (CO2) emissions by 2050, a commitment by the air transport industry in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of not exceeding a 1.5°C temperature rise.
The agreement’s goal is the mitigation of 1.8 gigatons of carbon, with the potential scenario being that 65% of the target will be reduced through sustainable aviation fuels.
In the face of these resolutions, major airlines worldwide are employing key strategies to reduce their emissions, including investing heavily in high-end technologies.
United Airlines, one of the world’s longest-established carriers, is making a $15 million investment to enter the electric air cab market.
The company ordered 200 electrified vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Eve, with purchase rights for an additional 200.
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Betting on the Future
United Airlines believes that these investments represent a giant step forward in the air transport of the future. In that sense, the airline’s CEO, Michael Leskinen assures that the agreement with Eve highlights confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as another important benchmark towards the goal of zero net carbon emissions by 2050.
eVTOLs promise a faster, safer and greener mode of transport, with the potential to change the future of urban mobility.
In recent years, this technology has experienced exponential growth with the emergence of at least a dozen new eVTOL manufacturers with plans to develop innovative electric air cabs by the middle of this decade.
According to a report published by Markets and Markets, growth is estimated to reach $30.8 billion by 2030 and will be driven by the growing need for green energy, noise-free aircraft and increasing demand for an alternative mode of transportation.
Eve’s four-seat flying cab is expected to enter commercial service in 2026. Its target range will be up to 60 miles (96 kilometers) and cruising speed will be up to 125 miles per hour (201 kilometers per hour).
Notably, by signing the contract with Eve, United has become the first airline in the world to publicly invest in two Evtol companies.
