Eve Air Mobility recently published its inaugural Global Market Outlook that highlights the growth and demand surrounding the urban air mobility category for the next 20 years. The Global Market Outlook leverages data on 1,800 cities on the UN’s World Urbanisation Prospects database, 1,000 airports, and over 27,000 civil helicopters currently in operation.
“The Global Market Outlook furthers the excitement and momentum we have seen in collaborating with our customers and municipal partners worldwide,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “Today, the UAM market benefits from urban growth, higher traffic congestion, and a positive shift towards sustainable mobility. Demand for UAM is strong and marks the beginning of a major shift in how people will move and live in cities worldwide.”
The report sets the stage for the 2025 Paris Air Show, where a major highlight will be the unveiling of Eve Air Mobility’s full-scale mockup, showcasing a design evolution that enhances the Eve-100 aircraft’s performance. The mockup, to be displayed in the Embraer pavilion outside Chalet #300, will showcase several key enhancements. These include a new cabin design, the addition of four-blade propellers, and wheeled landing gear. These improvements are designed to significantly enhance the safety, accessibility, comfort, performance, and maneuverability of the Eve-100, setting a new standard in Urban Air Mobility.
Transporting Three Billion Passengers by 2045
The topline numbers from The Global Market Outlook show an estimated in-service vehicle fleet of 30,000 eVTOLs by 2045. This fleet figure will be needed to support the estimated three billion passengers, creating a potential revenue of $280 billion. Critical use cases driving growth include Urban Point-to-Point, Airport Shuttle, and Tourism, Medical Services, Corporate, Private and Charter. From a key driver perspective, the Outlook points to urban congestion as one of the critical factors demonstrating the need for alternative means of transportation as the 2022 United Nations World Population Prospects points to over two billion more people living in cities by 2050. Other data highlighting these congestion challenges include:
- By 2035, more than eight hundred cities will have a population of more than one million, accounting for over 2.5 billion people (World Cities Report, United Nations 2022).
- This growth will only accelerate the congestion challenges seen to date. In 2024, congestion continued to be a significant issue in major markets. For example, cities such as London (226 hours), New York (196 hours), Bengaluru (234 hours), Sao Paulo (222 hours), and Johannesburg (112 hours) saw significant annual time lost per person due to congestion.
Regional Breakdown
Eve anticipates significant Asia-Pacific growth driven by dense megacities and a rising middle class. North America shows promise due to substantial investment and an established aviation ecosystem. Europe may grow more slowly because of regulatory challenges. Latin America presents opportunities with eVTOLs addressing urbanization and renewable energy. While smaller, the Middle East is an early adopter focused on innovation and sustainable transportation. The Africa market is driven by the opportunity to overcome infrastructure challenges from high urban population growth and enhance tourism experience.
Key Challenges
While the future of urban air mobility is strong and shows great promise, the industry will have to overcome numerous challenges to realise its full potential. Key challenges include:
- Safe operations: High safety is a non-negotiable requirement for high-scale operations.
- Regulatory approval: A comprehensive but accessible regulatory environment for a safe ecosystem is critical.
- Air traffic management (ATM): Airspace integration and future uncrewed operations are two areas where ATM will play a key role in high-density operations.
- Ecosystem: Existing heliport infrastructure is necessary to accommodate near-term operations.
- Battery technology: Higher battery densities are required for broader and longer-range applications.
The public acceptance of UAM will depend on a combination of these factors.
Eve Air Mobility and Revo sign $250 million contract
Eve Air Mobility has signed its first binding framework agreement with Revo, an advanced urban air mobility (UAM) operator headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, and its parent company, Helicopters International SA (OHI). The contract includes the purchase of up to 50 electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, associated entry into service and aftermarket services. This milestone marks Eve’s transition from development to execution, solidifying its position as a leading provider of next-generation UAM solutions.
“This binding agreement with Revo and OHI is a pivotal step for Eve, demonstrating growing market confidence in our technology and operational model,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “By moving from concept to implementation, we are not only advancing our commercial roadmap but also helping to shape a robust and sustainable UAM ecosystem, setting a global benchmark for eVTOL deployment.”
The agreement represents Eve’s commitment to Revo & OHI, encompassing eVTOL aircraft and comprehensive aftermarket support through Eve’s TechCare package. Revo will become the launch operator for Eve’s eVTOLs in São Paulo, with first delivery planned for fourth quarter of 2027 one of the world’s most dynamic and advanced markets for aerial mobility, São Paulo has over 400 registered helicopters and nearly 2,000 daily takeoffs and landings.
“Our decision to partner with Eve Air Mobility was clear, rooted in their mature design, comprehensive support ecosystem, and Embraer’s unparalleled aerospace heritage,” said Revo CEO Joao Welsh. “These eVTOL aircraft will be the cornerstone of our ambitious plan to revolutionise Revo’s high touch mobility service, offering a safe sustainable, and scalable business that will connect communities and redefine convenience.”
Revo, wholly owned by OHI, currently operates a door-to-door mobility solution, integrating car and luggage services with scheduled helicopter service connecting key locations in southeast Brazil. These include daily flights between Zona Sul and GRU International Airport, a route that typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours by car but can be completed in just 10 minutes by air. With Eve’s eVTOLs, these operations will become fully electric and sustainable, delivering a superior customer experience, and supporting the city’s goals for greener transportation.
“Adding up to 50 of Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOLs to our fleet furthers our diversification journey and leadership in the low altitude economy,” said Jeremy Akel, Group CEO, Omni Helicopters International. “Our partnership with Eve is evidence of our shared vision to bring to life revolutionary mobility ideas that transform how people move within cities.”
This binding proposal builds on the strategic collaboration between Eve, OHI, and Revo, which includes previous agreements for aircraft, service solutions, and successful simulations of urban air traffic management using Eve’s Vector software. The agreement also provides access to Eve TechCare, an all-in-one suite of operational support designed to streamline eVTOL operations and maximize fleet performance.
“Our eVTOL is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing transportation networks, providing operators with a vital link to complete their passengers’ journey,” said Megha Bhatia, CCO at Eve Air Mobility. “Our aircraft enables Revo and operators to provide the last mile of service, such as airport shuttles to and from the city, in a fraction of the time. A safe, efficient, and innovative option that enhances connectivity and reimagines urban air mobility for operators and their customers.”
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