Eve Air Mobility (Eve) and United Airlines have announced plans to bring Urban Air Mobility (UAM) to San Francisco by launching electric commuter flights throughout the Bay Area.
Both companies say that they will be working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flights. The companies are also working together to identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
“Our shared goal is to provide residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay area with efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the US,” said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility.”
“Urban Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionise how United customers work, live, and travel,” said Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures. “Eve’s proposed route is a critical first step towards making this all-electric and quiet commute a reality for Bay Area residents.”
In 2022, United announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs plus 200 options. United’s investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the UAM market and Eve’s unique relationship with trusted aircraft manufacturer Embraer. A key piece of the relationship includes access to Embraer’s global service centres, parts warehouses and field service technicians, “paving the way for a reliable operation”. Upon entry into service, United could have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by Eve’s service and support network.
Eve’s eVTOL is 100% electric and has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometres) allowing it to complete a variety of urban air mobility missions in the San Francisco Bay Area. It will be piloted at launch but the Eve says that it will evolve towards uncrewed operations in the future.
Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to enter service in 2026.