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 216: Mark Ingram, Technical Director at Hewland Engineering
May 1400:26:49Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Women in AAM Podcast: Elan Head, Senior Editor at The Air Current
Apr 3000:39:33Tap to summarizeThis 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.
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Episode 215: Ralph Muller, CEO of H2FLY
Apr 1600:37:52Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 214: Santh Sathya, CEO and Founder, LuftCar
Apr 900:38:10Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 213: Nick Hall, CEO of Aergility
Apr 200:32:09Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 212: Julian Del Campo, Director of Business Development, Regal Rexnord
Mar 2600:26:17Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 212: Barbara Pareglio, Smart Mobility Lead at GSMA
Mar 1800:37:07Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 211: Kevin Cox, CEO of VertiPorts by Atlantic
Mar 1200:34:37Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Episode 210: Marc Sellouk, CEO of Flyte
Mar 500:28:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Marc talks about Flyte's vision for regional air mobility and its role as a precursor to the future eVTOL market. He explains that Flyte aims to reduce the friction of short-distance travel by connecting regional airports using efficient conventional aircraft such as the Cirrus Vision Jet. This approach allows passengers to bypass congested commercial hubs and dramatically reduce travel times on routes that might otherwise take hours by car or commercial airline. Flyte currently sells full-aircraft charters but ultimately hopes to evolve toward a per-seat regional air mobility model. With services already operating in the U.S. Northeast and expansion underway in Florida, Sellouk believes growing regional airport infrastructure and continued technological innovation will help unlock faster, more accessible air travel.
Transcribe →Episode 209: Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive
Feb 2600:28:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Jason Pritchard sits down with Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive, to reflect on a landmark year for the Japanese eVTOL OEM and what's next in 2026. Tomohiro shares how 2025 marked a breakthrough year for SkyDrive, with hundreds of successful flight tests, large-scale public demo flights and more than 400 pre-orders for its SD-05 aircraft. A major highlight last year was showcasing the aircraft at the World Expo in Osaka, where more than one million visitors saw the aircraft up close, many for the first time. The conversation dives into the technology behind SkyDrive’s compact, 12-rotor multicopter design, purpose-built for rooftop operations and short urban hops, as well as its progress toward simultaneous certification with Japan’s JCAB and the Federal Aviation Administration. Tomohiro also discusses strategic partnerships, including manufacturing collaboration with Suzuki and operational partnerships across Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and the U.S. From alleviating traffic congestion in cities like Jakarta to transporting organs for urgent medical procedures, the episode explores compelling real-world use cases that highlight the aircraft’s potential impact. Looking ahead, 2026 will focus on certification milestones, global market expansion, and further public demonstration flights to accelerate adoption.
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