Hosted by The eVTOL Insights Podcast · EN

In this episode, Louis Saint-Cyr talks about the company’s vision for transforming regional aviation through electrification, AI-driven software, and operational innovation. Louis explains how Surf Air Mobility is combining airline operations, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships to prepare for the arrival of electric aircraft. The discussion explores the company’s work with BETA Technologies, why Hawaii represents an ideal launch market for electric aviation, and how SurfOS — Surf’s AI-enabled operational platform built alongside Palantir — is helping modernise airline operations. The conversation also covers the economics of electric flight, infrastructure challenges, sustainability goals, and why operational discipline and digital transformation will be critical to scaling advanced air mobility successfully. With certification milestones approaching across the industry, Louis shares why he believes the focus is now shifting from who builds the aircraft to who can successfully operationalise them at scale.

DEXA is one of only four FAA-certified drone carriers in the United States. In this episode, Beth shares how her background in engineering, defense technology and secure communications led to the creation of DEXA’s autonomous drone delivery platform, designed to help local retailers compete with major e-commerce giants. The conversation explores DEXA’s mission to transform grocery and retail logistics through ultra-fast, 15-minute drone deliveries, while supporting local communities and reducing reliance on traditional delivery models. Beth also discusses the company’s FAA certification journey, the importance of safety and regulation, and the technical challenges of building secure, scalable autonomous aircraft. Looking ahead, she outlines a future where drones, autonomous vehicles and robotics work together seamlessly to reshape urban mobility, logistics and how consumers access everyday goods.

In this episode, we speak to Mark Ingram, Technical Director at Hewland Engineering, about how the company’s motorsport heritage is helping shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Mark explains how Hewland’s expertise in high-performance transmissions is being adapted for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, where efficiency, durability, lightweight design and certification are all critical. The conversation explores the technical challenges of developing compact driveline systems for eVTOL aircraft, the importance of early collaboration with aircraft manufacturers, and how integrated propulsion systems could improve performance and reduce weight. Mark also shares insights into Hewland’s specialist testing capabilities, rapid innovation approach and growing partnerships across the sector. With support from Hero Motors, Hewland is positioning itself to take customers from prototype development through to scalable production, helping accelerate the commercialization of next-generation electric aviation.

This podcast episode features a great in-depth discussion between Women in AAM Chairperson Marilyn Pearson and aviation journalist and pilot Elan Head on the evolving advanced air mobility and eVTOL industry. Elan emphasizes that while urban air taxis attract attention, the true excitement lies in the technological innovations—particularly in electric propulsion, autonomy, and flight controls—that could reshape aviation more broadly. They explore challenges in pilot training, noting that eVTOLs will still require significant skill and robust education despite early claims of simplicity. The conversation also addresses industry hype, delayed certification timelines, and resulting public skepticism, with Elan arguing that expectations were initially unrealistic. Promising early use cases such as tourism and short regional transport are highlighted as practical entry points. They also examine regulatory differences, global competition—especially from China—and the complexity of certification processes. Overall, the episode underscores both the transformative potential and the practical hurdles facing the AAM industry.

In this podcast, Ralph discusses the company’s rapid evolution toward commercial hydrogen-electric aviation. Since taking leadership, he has focused on accelerating development, scaling operations, and strengthening partnerships with aircraft manufacturers. He highlights key learnings from demonstrator programs like the HY4 and collaborations with Joby Aviation, which informed more ambitious technology roadmaps. A major theme is the transition to megawatt-class fuel cell systems, where system architecture, integration, and efficiency are critical challenges. Ralph emphasizes that early adoption will likely occur in small, electrified aircraft, where hydrogen extends range beyond battery limits. He also underscores the importance of early OEM collaboration, certification alignment, and infrastructure development, including hydrogen production and refueling. Looking ahead, Ralph shares more details about certification progress, power density improvements, and supportive policy as key to achieving scalable, zero-emission aviation by 2030.

In this episode, Santh talks about redefining advanced air mobility through a hybrid air–ground vehicle platform. Originally inspired by defense logistics, LuftCar aims to solve last-mile transport challenges by enabling seamless movement of people, vehicles, and cargo using a modular system that integrates flight and road travel. Santh outlines the company’s “full-stack” approach, combining aircraft, hydrogen-based energy infrastructure, vertiports, and an AI-driven planning platform to support scalable deployment. He emphasizes hydrogen’s advantages over batteries for range and payload, while acknowledging infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. LuftCar is targeting cargo, regional mobility, and emergency services rather than urban air taxis, positioning itself in a less crowded segment. The conversation also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships, affordability, and safety in scaling the industry. Looking ahead, LuftCar plans full-scale vehicle development, infrastructure rollout, and expansion into new markets.

In this episode, Nick Hall, CEO of Aergility discusses the company’s vision to transform cargo delivery through long-range autonomous aircraft. Aergility is developing hybrid VTOL platforms that combine helicopter versatility with fixed-wing efficiency, enabling payloads of over 500 pounds across 500+ miles with minimal infrastructure. Nick explains that their patented managed auto-rotation technology simplifies design, reduces cost, and improves scalability compared to traditional systems. The conversation highlights key advantages of unmanned cargo aviation, including reduced risk to human life, especially in military and hazardous environments. Aergility's modular platforms support multiple missions, from defense logistics to humanitarian aid, agriculture, and disaster response. The company is advancing both cargo and ISR aircraft, with production timelines targeting near-term deployment. Nick also discusses partnerships in the UAE, regulatory challenges, and the importance of proving customer value.

In this episode Julian talks about Regal Rexnord's evolving role in advanced air mobility (AAM). The conversation explores how Regal Rexnord’s broad portfolio—spanning motors, sensors, bearings, and electromechanical actuators—positions it to support the electrification of flight. Del Campo highlights the company’s strategy of vertical integration, enabling faster collaboration, streamlined design, and scalable manufacturing for next-generation aircraft. Key topics include technical and operational challenges in eVTOL development, the importance of early supplier collaboration, and a multi-year partnership with Honeywell to advance flight control systems. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Regal Rexnord aims to refine integrated actuation solutions while supporting rapid industry growth. The episode underscores a shared industry vision: advancing sustainable, efficient, and scalable technologies to accelerate the future of electric aviation.

In this episode, Barbara Pareglio from GSMA talks about the critical role of connectivity in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). She explains how GSMA’s work in mobile technologies, including 4G, 5G and future 6G, is helping enable scalable, secure and interoperable solutions for drones and emerging aviation platforms. The discussion explores how mobile networks can support beyond visual line-of-sight operations, enhance safety through digital identification and tracking, and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional aviation communication systems. Pareglio also outlines GSMA-led initiatives around drone identity, detect-and-avoid systems, and data-driven risk mitigation. Looking ahead, she highlights the importance of integrating connectivity into aviation design from the outset, enabling more autonomous, data-rich and efficient airspace management, while stressing collaboration across industries to accelerate innovation.

In this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaking with Kevin Cox, CEO of Vertiports by Atlantic, about the future of infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility. Cox explains how the company originated from a team initially assembled by Ferrovial to focus on the infrastructure needed for eVTOL aircraft. After being acquired by Atlantic Aviation, the venture gained the backing of a major aviation services network with decades of operational experience. Cox outlines the company’s vision to build a nationwide network of sustainable, aircraft-agnostic vertiports that enable efficient urban and regional air mobility. Using proprietary, data-driven demand models, the team identifies optimal locations—primarily in dense, congested markets where faster transport is most valuable. The strategy emphasizes partnerships with operators and manufacturers, disciplined investment, and leveraging existing aviation infrastructure to reduce risk while supporting the commercial rollout of advanced air mobility services.