Eve and Flexjet conduct real-time software trial

Eve and Flexjet have conducted a real-time software trial to test the feasibility of UAM operations.

The simulation took place over four days in November at Flexjet’s Tactical Control Centre at Farnborough Airport, UK, and saw Eve’s Urban Air Traffic Management (ATM) software shadowing live Flexjet helicopters, which acted as substitutes for eVTOLs.

Flexjet’s group of companies is one of Eve’s Urban ATM fleet operator customers.

During the simulation, Flexjet’s 11-strong fleet of helicopters performed routine and non-regular flights in a reflection of what future services could look like. The project was supported by the UK National Air Traffic Service (NATS) and London Heliport.

“This collaboration with Flexjet represents a significant step forward in our efforts to advance urban air mobility,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. “We are committed to exploring innovative solutions that will enhance current operations and contribute to the future of urban flights.”

The simulation included different situations, such as regular business operations, atypical scenarios and flights tailored to an eVTOL aircraft’s specific needs. Eve wants to provide insights into the services required to support future eVTOL operations, as well as investigating whether these new services may have immediate value for existing helicopter operations.

Eli Flint, Flexjet president of Global Helicopter Operations, added: “We were delighted to provide Flexjet’s UK helicopter expertise and to play a key role in forging the UAM ecosystem of tomorrow, helping to inform the movements of the next generation of vertical aircraft. Flexjet is dedicated to advancing the aviation solutions that will meet our customers’ needs over the coming years, and we are excited by the potential of eVTOLs for seamless and sustainable electric short-range flights.”