Embraer’s urban air mobility unit Eve has clinched an order for 10 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Australian helicopter operator Nautilus Aviation.
The order comes as both parties signed a partnership to develop urban air mobility in Australia, particularly in Queensland state’s tourist attractions including the Great Barrier Reef.
Nautilus expects to take delivery of its first eVTOL aircraft by 2026, the same year it expects to operate the aircraft over the Great Barrier Reef.
Eve has previously forecast the rollout of UAM operations in Australia from 2026, together with other “key cities” such Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo.
Nautilus parent company Morris Group says the partnership “accelerates the progress” of full zero-emission electric aircraft operations.
Chris Morris, who is Morris Group founder and chief executive, adds that the company has set a net-zero emissions target by 2030.
Says Eve president and chief Andre Stein: “Our partnership with Nautilus Aviation and Morris Group will see Eve aircraft serving Australia’s iconic tourism attractions with sustainable, zero emissions low-noise, journeys. We share the same vision toward a carbon neutral future for air mobility and this a great use case for the solutions Eve is bringing to the market, including our 100% electric eVTOL and comprehensive customer support and air traffic management solutions.”
The order from Nautilus is the second major agreement between Eve and Australian companies. In September, Eve inked a partnership with helicopter operator Microflite to “develop new services and procedures that will create a safe and scalable operating environment for electric vertical aircraft operations together with communities and other industry stakeholders”.
