The U.S. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is stepping up its dialogue with European regulators on the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and technologies. Thirty executives of GAMA member companies representing eVTOL airframe and engine developers from eight countries met recently with officials from EASA, the European Commission, and the Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking to discuss this nascent sector of the aviation industry.

“This dialogue forms a key part of the association’s efforts toward increasing automation, autonomy, and de-carbonization in aviation,” GAMA said. The focus is on “prioritizing the safe introduction of these new systems and technologies while making flying more accessible to the general public.”

The group addressed the numerous opportunities and challenges posed by these new aircraft, which promise to offer extremely quiet and green operations for a wide array of uses. Discussions focused on the regulatory framework needed for the safe and sustainable integration of these vehicles into Europe’s airspace. Topics included certification, maintenance, operations, and licensing.

“Global manufacturers have been working within GAMA over the last 12 months to prepare the ecosystem for eVTOL,” the association said. “We are really pleased that EASA is developing a path forward for this new era of aviation.”

Last month, EASA opened a public consultation period on its proposal for airworthiness standards that will enable the certification of small VTOL aircraft. The agency said the aim is to “develop the first component of the regulatory framework to enable the safe operation of air-taxi and eVTOL aircraft in Europe.”