Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. After spending several years in the Pacific Northwest, she has returned to the Knoxville area.

Science & Technology Editor

Latest news about the Air One eVTOL aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

Israeli start-up Air has revealed the first production model of its Air One Cargo eVTOL aircraft and delivered it to an undisclosed launch customer, the company announced on December 17. Before it enters service, the aircraft will make its first flights at a test site in southern Israel.&nbsp;
According to Air, this customer had already accepted delivery of a pre-production prototype in late 2023, and data from nearly two years of early deployment informed the design of the ultimate production configuration. The customer has been using the prototype for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-27/airs-uncrewed-cargo-evtol-conducts-night-flight-trials">nighttime BVLOS flights</a>, as well as remote resupply missions in “challenging” environments, the manufacturer said.&nbsp;
“This production model represents years of engineering refinement and collaboration with industry leaders, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies,” commented Air co-founder and CEO Rani Plaut. “We've moved beyond proof of concept to proven performance and commercial deployment, supported by vital partnerships. We look forward to continuing to deliver on the promise of transforming how cargo moves around the world.”

The Air One Cargo is a new uncrewed variant of the piloted, two-seat Air One personal eVTOL aircraft, which the company expects to be approved under the FAA’s new Mosaic special airworthiness rules for light sport aircraft in 2026. Both versions have a 550-pound payload capacity, a flight endurance of one hour with a full charge, and a top speed of 135 knots.&nbsp;
In September, the FAA issued an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-09-02/faa-grants-experimental-airworthiness-certification-air-one">experimental airworthiness certificate</a> for the Air One range of piloted and uncrewed aircraft, clearing the way for the Israeli firm to expand flight testing activities at a new facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.&nbsp;
A few weeks later, the company’s uncrewed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-24/air-one-evtol-prototype-crashes-florida">Air One prototype crashed</a> during a test flight from that facility, prompting an NTSB investigation that is still ongoing. Despite the accident, Air said it remains on track to certify and begin delivering the piloted two-seater to U.S. customers in 2026. The company claims to have a backlog of more than 2,900 Air One personal eVTOL aircraft.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Air Rolls Out First Production Air One Cargo eVTOL Aircraft

Air One Cargo advances from prototype to production

Israeli start-up Air has revealed the first production model of its Air One Cargo eVTOL aircraft and delivered it to an undisclosed launch customer.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

David Donald

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform 

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

Charles Alcock

The company assembled the first example in around nine months 

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July 

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

Air One

AIR

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

The company assembled the first example in around nine months

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July

Elroy Air Wins $46 Million Army Contract for Chaparral

Contract covers jam-resistant navigation and hardened communications links

Robinson Unmanned Advances Through U.S. Drone Program

Sovereign manufacturing expertise essential to Pentagon initiative

U.S. Air Force Extends Collaborative Combat Aircraft Trials

Anduril’s semi-autonomous YFQ-44A Fury evaluated in Nevada sorties

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN