Instead, that distinction is held by AutoFlight, which has sneakily climbed to the No. 8 spot in SMG's rankings in recent months. In February, it eclipsed Joby's 2021 high-water mark with a 155-mile jaunt near its headquarters in China. Now, AutoFlight, which only began focusing on passenger eVTOL in 2021, is ready to place more eyes on its aircraft. At the Paris Air Show, AutoFlight announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Groupe ADP, a Paris-based international airport operator, to conduct experimental flights of its Prosperity I eVTOL at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
One of several eVTOL manufacturers set to demonstrate air taxi technology at the global event, AutoFlight will fly its long-range aircraft out of Pontoise vertiport, a dedicated test bed for AAM technologies. Developed by Skyports and Groupe ADP with the backing of several aviation bodies and regional authorities, the airfield has been outfitted with AAM infrastructure such as take-off and landing zones, a passenger terminal and a fully equipped maintenance hangar. "Pontoise vertiport, equipped with exceptional infrastructure and facilities, serves as an optimal platform to support electric, innovative aircraft," said Edward Arkwright, Groupe ADP's deputy CEO. "This collaboration resonates with our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient aircraft infrastructure as we continue to pave the way for the future of aviation."
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Future Flight.
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This story is from the July 2023 edition of Future Flight.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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