Podcast
The eVTOL Insights Podcast
Hosted by The eVTOL Insights Podcast · EN
eVTOL Insights is a leading source of news, information and analysis into the global electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility markets.
Since our launch in April 2020, we’ve been covering the latest industry news and offering insight for leading executives in the manned and unmanned market, across both passenger and cargo-carrying services.
Our in-depth podcasts aim to cover a range of different topics, from eVTOL OEMs updates, certification, landing infrastructure, battery developments and regulations.
Head to evtolinsights.com, where you can read the latest stories and features, watch short industry videos and sign up to our newsletter, WhatsApp and Signal channels.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 227: Craig Foster, Co-Founder and Senior Research Consultant, Valour Consultancy
2d ago00:28:55Tap to summarizeThe latest episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast welcomes Craig Foster, Co-founder and Senior Research Consultant at Valor Consultancy, to discuss the commercial realities shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Drawing on Valor's latest research into both the electric air taxi and commercial drone markets, Foster explores why the industry is entering a new phase where commercial viability is becoming just as important as technological innovation. Throughout the conversation, Foster examines the assumptions that fuelled the sector's early growth, including expectations around battery technology, operating costs and certification timelines. He explains why metrics such as Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM) are critical to understanding whether passenger eVTOL services can become profitable, while highlighting the challenges posed by battery replacement costs, infrastructure investment, landing fees and pilot availability. The discussion also looks beyond passenger aircraft, identifying defence, cargo operations and regional air mobility as potentially stronger near-term business opportunities. Foster argues that the commercial drone industry provides valuable lessons for AAM by demonstrating that long-term success depends on solving real operational problems rather than simply introducing new technology.
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Episode 226: Jennifer Trock, Partner at Morgan Lewis
1w ago00:27:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jason is joined by Jennifer Trock, trusted advisor at Morgan Lewis, to explore the legal, regulatory and commercial realities shaping one of aviation's most exciting emerging sectors. As the industry moves closer to commercial operations, Jennifer explains why certification is only the beginning. The conversation examines the importance of regulatory harmonisation, vertiport infrastructure, public trust and airspace integration, while also discussing how AI, autonomy and evolving policy frameworks will influence the pace of adoption. Drawing on her experience advising aerospace, aviation and transportation clients around the world, Jennifer also shares why adaptability will be one of the defining characteristics of successful AAM companies, and how shifting geopolitical and regulatory environments are already influencing where commercial opportunities emerge. With the next 12 to 36 months expected to be pivotal for the sector, this episode offers valuable insights into the milestones, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Episode 224: Paulo Venancio, Aerospace Chief Engineer, Expleo
2w ago00:25:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paulo discuss the engineering realities of bringing advanced air mobility from flight testing to commercial operations. He argues that certification remains the industry's defining milestone, with successful flight test campaigns providing regulators the confidence needed to approve new aircraft. Paolo explains how startups must build industrialisation, supply chains, airworthiness capabilities and long-term support structures alongside aircraft development, rather than after certification. He also highlights the growing role of digital engineering, digital twins and AI-driven modelling in reducing development time while maintaining the rigorous safety standards expected in aerospace. Drawing on Explio's experience supporting several leading eVTOL manufacturers, he outlines how combining traditional aerospace expertise with emerging technologies can accelerate development without compromising certification.
Transcribe →Episode 223: J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio
3w ago00:23:37Tap to summarizeOhio is positioning itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) by building on its rich aerospace heritage, manufacturing expertise, and collaborative innovation ecosystem. In this episode, JobsOhio President and CEO JP Nauseef explains how the state offers a unique end-to-end environment where companies can design, test, certify, manufacture, and scale eVTOL aircraft within a single region. He highlights key assets including the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), FAA-approved test airspace, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and a network of more than 640 aerospace companies. The discussion also explores Ohio's investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, including a $300 million experiential learning initiative to train future technicians. Looking ahead, Nauseef outlines how supportive policies, commercial deployment, and continued collaboration will help Ohio attract global investment while creating high-value jobs and shaping the future of aviation.
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Episode 222: Mark Duchesne, Head of Manufacturing at REGENT
Jul 900:35:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode with Mark, we explore what it takes to transform a revolutionary transport concept into a scalable manufacturing operation. Drawing on leadership experience at Toyota, Tesla, Northvolt and Byton, Mark shares lessons on building flexible production systems, developing resilient supply chains, and embedding quality from day one. He discusses Regent's progress towards commercial sea glider production, the company's new Rhode Island manufacturing facility, and the unique challenge of combining aerospace, automotive and marine manufacturing practices. The conversation also examines automation, workforce development, AI's emerging role in manufacturing, and the importance of designing products with production in mind from the outset. Whether you're interested in advanced air mobility, manufacturing strategy or the future of sustainable transportation, this episode offers valuable insights into bringing groundbreaking technology from prototype to commercial reality.
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Episode 221: Lavera Alexander, Chief Growth Officer at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)
Jul 200:34:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Lavera Alexander, Chief Growth Officer and CAMC Director at the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), about California's pioneering approach to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Lavera explains how the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAMC) is connecting four public-use airports into the state's first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight network, shifting the industry's focus from proving aircraft performance to validating integrated transportation systems. She discusses why coordination between airports, utilities, regulators, communities and industry partners is just as important as technological innovation, and why public trust must be treated as critical infrastructure. The conversation also explores workforce development, community engagement, economic development and the importance of demonstrating tangible public benefits, from emergency response and healthcare access to cargo operations. Lavera shares her vision of success for AAM, where electric aircraft become an accepted, everyday part of transportation networks that genuinely improve people's lives.
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Episode 220: Michael Proffitt, Chairman of Vertiports UK
Jun 2500:37:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaks with Michael about the critical role infrastructure will play in enabling the future of advanced air mobility. While much of the industry's attention has focused on aircraft development, Michael explains why vertiports, charging networks, maintenance facilities and low-altitude airspace management are equally essential for commercial eVTOL operations to succeed. The conversation explores the challenges of building a complete ecosystem for urban and regional air mobility, including regulatory approvals, planning requirements, energy provision and collaboration with organisations such as NATS and the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Michael also shares insights from Vertiports UK's feasibility studies, which assess potential locations, route networks and operational requirements across the UK. Looking ahead, he discusses how vertiports, drones and eVTOL aircraft will work together to create a connected, efficient and sustainable transportation network for passengers and cargo.
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Episode 219: Josh Portlock of Electro Ventures & Joe Mattern, Founder of VertiSim
Jun 1800:32:29Tap to summarizeElectro Ventures has expanded its advanced air mobility portfolio with the acquisition of Vertiport Simulations, marking a significant step toward accelerating the development of eVTOL infrastructure. In this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaks with Electro Ventures’ founding partner and innovation director Josh Portlock and Vertiport Simulations founder Joe Mattern about the partnership, the growing importance of simulation technology, and the future of electric aviation. The discussion explores how realistic digital simulations help airports, vertiports, operators and regulators plan charging infrastructure, aircraft operations and site layouts before construction begins. Josh and Joe explain how simulation can reduce costs, improve safety and support smarter investment decisions as the industry moves closer to commercial deployment. They also share insights on industry collaboration, charging standardisation and the growing momentum behind advanced air mobility projects, particularly in North America. Together, they highlight why infrastructure, charging solutions and strategic partnerships will be critical to turning the promise of eVTOL operations into reality.
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Episode 218: Louis Saint-Cyr, President of the Airlines at Surf Air Mobility
May 2800:41:45Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 217: Beth Flippo, CEO and Founder of Dexa
May 2100:37:12Tap to summarizeDEXA 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.
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