FutureFlight On The Radar
Leasing Group Explains Why It's Betting Big on eVTOLs To Transform Air Transport
Avolon has set up a dedicated business unit to focus on what it views as massive opportunities with new eVTOL aircraft, which it plans to lease to major airlines and other air taxi operators.

Avolon is a major airliner leasing group, so last year, when it committed to adding up to 500 of Vertical Aerospace’s four-passenger VX-4 eVTOL aircraft, it got the attention of the mainstream air transport sector. Major scheduled carriers Japan Air Lines and Brazil’s Gol have already signed up to lease large numbers of these prospective additions to the group’s portfolio.

Avolon recently published its latest annual outlook paper assessing the state of the global air transport market. Acknowledging continued uncertainties arising from Covid and other economic shocks, the "Rise Above" forecast's headline projection is that a recovery in air travel should gain some pace this year, but the rebound will reach only 70 percent of 2019 levels. The authors also flag up supply-chain strains impacting operations, along with a worsening skills shortage.