Eve is stepping up efforts to test the basis on which eVTOL aircraft could operate air taxi services in crowded cities, with a planned urban air mobility (UAM) simulation in Chicago. In an announcement this week, the eVTOL aircraft developer said the exercise will involve helicopters operated as part of the rideshare network of prospective customer Blade Air Mobility.

Last year, Eve conducted a similar exercise in Rio de Janeiro, with local helicopter charter operator Helisul Aviation providing aircraft for a 30-day trial to map out prospective routes and operating procedures with passengers on board. This work, which was also supported by flight booking service Flapper, resulted in the publication of a concept of operations for eVTOL flights that has been presented to Brazilian regulator ANAC.

Like Blade, Helisul also plans to add Eve's eVTOL vehicle to its fleet from 2026, and Flapper also intends to offer flights to its on-demand customers.

Beginning September 14, Blade will arrange services around the Chicago area, with flights available to passengers via its app from the downtown Vertiport Chicago to "helistops" in the northern suburb of Schaumburg and the southern suburb of Tinley Park. Eve will study operations, ground services, passenger journeys, and eVTOL operator needs, allowing for more accessible and faster connections to the city center.

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https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-08-24/eve-charts-evtol-simulation-chicago-blade

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