Volocopter, a leader in urban air mobility (UAM), will launch Europe’s first eVTOL sandbox program in 2026, designed to accelerate the certification and operational readiness of its electric aircraft, VoloCity and VoloXPro, through near-commercial flight trials. The initiative will simulate real-world operations to support type certification, validate point-to-point missions, … [Read more...] about Volocopter Launches Europe’s First eVTOL Sandbox in 2026
VTOL
Skyportz Unveils Modular Vertipad Prototype to Advance Air Mobility Infrastructure
Aeroberm™ aims to overcome downwash, fire risk and noise to support scalable eVTOL operations Infrastructure designed for the AAM era Australian infrastructure developer Skyportz today introduced its new vertipad prototype, the Aeroberm™, at the EVTOL Show in Palo Alto. The company described the milestone as a “major milestone in the company’s mission to create safe, … [Read more...] about Skyportz Unveils Modular Vertipad Prototype to Advance Air Mobility Infrastructure
From the Floor of Intergeo 2025: Xer Showcases Their Hybrid-Electric X8 Infrastructure Inspection Drone
Swiss manufacturer Xer Technologies presented its Xer X8 hybrid-electric unmanned aircraft system at Intergeo 2025 in Frankfurt, demonstrating the platform's advanced capabilities for large-scale infrastructure monitoring operations. The Xer X8 addresses critical operational limitations of battery-powered drones through innovative hybrid propulsion technology. Xer X8 Technical … [Read more...] about From the Floor of Intergeo 2025: Xer Showcases Their Hybrid-Electric X8 Infrastructure Inspection Drone
Oregon Department of Aviation and Yamaha Partner to Explore Uncrewed Helicopter for Wildfire Mitigation
Agreement will assess the Yamaha FAZER SAR’s potential for early wildfire suppression under proposed BVLOS rules The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. to evaluate the use of Yamaha’s FAZER SAR unmanned helicopter in wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts. As wildfire seasons become … [Read more...] about Oregon Department of Aviation and Yamaha Partner to Explore Uncrewed Helicopter for Wildfire Mitigation
Blade to Sell Passenger Division to Joby Aviation
Rebranded Strata to Focus Solely on Medical Logistics and Services Blade Air Mobility has announced it will sell its passenger division to Joby Aviation for up to $125 million. The move marks a major shift for Blade, which will now focus entirely on its growing medical transport and logistics business. The restructured company will rebrand as Strata Critical Medical and … [Read more...] about Blade to Sell Passenger Division to Joby Aviation
