International

“Airbus Pauses Plan to Bring NextGen eVTOL Aircraft to Market”

Airbus surprised the aviation industry this week, after a briefing to journalists stating the company has pressed the pause button on bringing its NextGen eVTOL to market. The announcement was made during news that sales of their conventional helicopters had increased during 2024.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, told the assembled media, “We launched this (NextGen) prototype four years ago with the objective to be in position to launch a new program before the end of the decade. It has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of technologies which are not only relevant for the urban air mobility market, but for all our portfolio.”

He continued, “At the same time, we see today — and that is the result of the strategic review that we performed at the end of last year — that the conditions to launch such a program are not necessarily there.” 

The European aerospace group is deferring plans for a commercial launch following a rethink of both the business case and technology requirements. Airbus had previously indicated, it had aims to bring the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft into commercial service by 2030.

Please Watch Video

Yet, Even pointed out that Airbus remains committed to aviation progress. “We are convinced that innovation is always the best way to continue bringing value to our customers.”

The reasons for the delay are varied, in particular, the present battery technology. The Airbus CEO explained, “The condition to launch a new program, from the technology side, is to be able to perform the mission. The minimum level of our performance is to transport (passengers) for up to 100 kilometres. Therefore, it’s really down to the battery.”

While some trial flights with the first CityAirbus prototype are to be made this year at the company’s Donauwörth facility in Germany, other programs will be suspended. Although, work continues with the company’s three research vehicles, DemonstratorLab, PioneerLab and DisruptiveLab.

Even pointed out, “The urban air mobility economy and launch of a new program depend on many factors like regulation, maturity of the business model, as well as technology maturity. We consider some of these need to evolve first before we’re in a position to launch.”

Bruno Even

For more information

https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/energy-transition/hybrid-and-electric-flight/cityairbus-nextgen

(Top image: NextGen eVTOL – Credit: Airbus)

For the latest news, insights and content regarding the global Advanced Air Mobility market, please join the following eVTOL Insights channels: WhatsApp, Facebook, InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeand LinkedIn.

AAM Middle East is part of Jargon PR MENA FZE. Professional License and eEstablishment Card available upon request.