FutureFlight
Chicago Gets a Preview of an Urban Air Mobility Future, with India Next
Working with helicopter charter flight group Blade, Eve conducted a simulation of what its eVTOL aircraft could do for travelers in the sprawling U.S. city and its suburbs. Blade plans to add eVTOL vehicles to its network in America and India.
Blade Air Mobility provided helicopters for an urban air mobility simulation exercise with eVTOL aircraft developer Eve.
Blade Air Mobility's operating partner Breeze provided helicopters for an urban air mobility simulation exercise with eVTOL aircraft developer Eve. (Image: Eve Urban Air Mobility)

Chicago’s metropolitan sprawl got a taste of what an urban air mobility (UAM) future could look like during a two-week simulation exercise in which helicopters were used in place of eVTOL aircraft. According to Eve, the Brazil-based company working to bring a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2026, the flights carrying fare-paying passengers were used to gather real-world experience that will lead to a concept of operations for the U.S. city.

The manufacturer conducted its latest simulation exercise with partner Blade Air Mobility, which on Tuesday reported that its FlyBlade India operation has placed a "non-binding order" for up to 200 of the Eve aircraft. FlyBlade India, which is jointly owned by New Dehli-based investor Hunch Ventures, says the eVTOL vehicles will provide capacity for up to 50,000 flight hours.