Aircraft giant Embraer launches flight route demonstration experiment aiming to introduce small electric aircraft (Brazil) | Business brief-JETRO

Brazilian aircraft giant Embraer will begin November 8 to verify flight routes and conduct market research for the launch of short-distance flights with the small vertical take-off and landing aircraft [eVTOL] under development. A 30-day flight route demonstration experiment has begun in Rio de Janeiro. According to the company's October 26 press release, which had announced the start of the experiment, this flight route demonstration experiment was provided by Erisur, the largest helicopter operator in Latin America, and a helicopter with the same function was used for vertical takeoff and landing. bottom. Ellisur plans to purchase eVTOL, which will be completed in 2026.

The route of the demonstration experiment will be a round trip from the business facility (CEMHS) in Rio City to Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (about 15 minutes one way). According to Ellisur's official website, the fare varies depending on the time of day, but the one-way fare is generally within the range of 99.99 to 599.99 real (about 2,100 to 12,600 yen, 1 real = about 21 yen). In an interview with the local newspaper "Estard" on October 26, Flapper Paul Malikki, CEO of Flapper, which operates a small aircraft business here, said, "If this experimental route is operated by helicopter, ( One-way) The fare will be several tens of times higher, at 3,050-8,300 real. "(Note), he hoped for the practicality of eVTOL. The company is also reportedly planning to purchase Embraer's eVTOL.

In addition, Eve Urban Air Solutions (EVE), a group company of Embraer that develops eVTOL, has been receiving orders from Japan and overseas since June (see the article on August 26, 2021), and in September. Since then, it has announced four new partnerships (see attached table).

In addition, major airline Azul plans to purchase 220 eVTOL aircraft under development by German startup Lilium (see article on August 16, 2021), and major Brazilian airline Gol 9 In addition to Embraer, eVTOL was announced on March 23 in Brazil as well as Embraer, including announcing a statement of intention to order 250 eVTOLs developed by Avolon, an aircraft leasing company headquartered in Ireland under the umbrella of China's maritime group. There is a move to plan the introduction of. Operations for Azul and Gol are scheduled to begin by 2025, respectively.

(Note) According to CEO Malikki, "In helicopter flights, the fare is generally calculated on an hourly basis, and in some cases passengers cannot be carried on the return trip, so it tends to be expensive." In addition, eVTOL is expected to carry passengers on the return trip, and the amount will vary depending on needs (October 26, local newspaper "Estard").

(Ernani Oda)