AltoVolo enters global Advanced Air Mobility market to launch its three-passenger Sigma aircraft, with 500-mile range

A quiet revolution in aviation is about to take flight. AltoVolo’s launch vehicle, Sigma, is set to take on both the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) space and the global helicopter market.

The company’s founding members have identified a less capital-intensive development path and a quicker route to profitability in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.

AltoVolo is one to watch in 2025 having engineered a vehicle which it says is 80 per cent quieter than helicopters and with 4x better range than leading eVTOL players such as Archer Aviation. Other key features include:

• Featuring a hybrid-electric tilting jet propulsion system for improved efficiency and reduced noise
• Resulting in a 500-mile range and cruise speed of 220mph
• Safe stable flight is possible following failure of one jet, it also has a ballistic parachute
• Compact size and light weight design, just 4.8m wide and 980kg with three passengers on board

Will Wood, AltoVolo founder and CEO, said: “The Sigma is a statement of intent, reimagining the way we live and travel on our planet. We are building the fastest point to point transport solution and have already achieved significant breakthroughs to make this happen.”

The Sigma’s cutting-edge design and engineering has been validated by Dr Richard E Brown of Sophrodyne Aerospace, a leading authority on aerodynamics.

AltoVolo has also received support from Ansys who provide simulation tools to Formula 1 teams. Scale prototype flight testing is complete, and quick progress is being made towards production of a full-scale demonstrator. Autonomous flight systems are provided by Embention, the Spanish firm who supply certified flight controllers to Amazon Prime Air.

No need for a runway

AltoVolo has combined a patent pending tilting electric jet design and integrated aerodynamics, to leverage the high burst capability of batteries for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), and the energy density of liquid fuel for long range flight. Its footprint is small enough to land on driveways, rooftops or yachts.

At its heart, AltoVolo’s mission is to make flight a part of everyday life. No terminals. No timetables. No congestion. No dependence on public infrastructure or waiting for urban planning policies to catch up.

Building the future of personal transport

Qualifying customers will be invited to join the waiting list for a launch edition Sigma vehicle in early July. AltoVolo is delivering what it has dubbed a “vertical hybrid jet” that gives its owner time, independence, and reach. Creating opportunities far beyond the short-haul city missions most eVTOLs are targeting.

The Sigma is meant for regional air mobility, as well as urban air mobility. It’s built for those who prefer to move when they decide, to where they choose, in the fastest, safest and most efficient way. AltoVolo is a personal aircraft, designed for people who understand the art of living.

AltoVolo is an aerospace startup founded by design engineer Will Wood, who plans to make flight a part of everyday life by dramatically reducing the cost per passenger mile for private air travel.

Wood has previously supported the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari and Wayve, in conceptualising and engineering innovative transport related products. He also led design for a successful US eVTOL start-up in 2024.