Eve Air Mobility and United Airlines are launching electric commuter flights throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Both companies will be working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce eVTOL aircraft flights, and are working together to identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for urban air mobility (UAM).

“Our shared goal is to provide residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay area with efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the US,” says Eve co-CEO Andre Stein. “The Bay area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility.”

“Urban air mobility has the potential to revolutionise how United customers work, live and travel,” adds president Michael Leskinen. “Eve's proposed route is a critical first step towards making this all-electric and quiet commute a reality for Bay area residents.”

In 2022, United announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs plus 200 options, as part of its strategy to invest in cutting-edge technologies as the airline stakes out its position as a leader in investing in aviation sustainability and innovation technologies. United's investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the UAM market and Eve's unique relationship with Embraer, a trusted aircraft manufacturer with a proven track record of building and certifying aircraft over the company's 53 year history. A key piece of the relationship includes access to Embraer's global service centres, parts warehouses and field service technicians, paving the way for a reliable operation. Upon entry into service, United could have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by Eve's service and support network.

Eve's eVTOL will offer United customers a quick, economical and lower-carbon way to get to its hub airports and commute in dense urban environments, as compared with conventional air taxis and other forms of traditional public transportation. Eve's eVTOL is 100 per cent electric and has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometres) allowing it to complete a variety of urban air mobility missions in the San Francisco Bay area. Its human-centred design better ensures the comfort of passengers, the pilot and the community by minimising noise. The aircraft features a lift and cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no components required to change position during flight. It will be piloted at launch but evolving towards uncrewed operations in the future.

In addition to a new, efficient transportation option, Eve notes that eVTOL flights in the Bay area are expected to have a positive economic impact on the community including new employment opportunities. Positions ranging from pilots and aircraft service technicians to training and technical services are among the numerous roles that will be needed as eVTOL flights are introduced and expand. The development of the necessary infrastructure to support eVTOL operations is also expected to contribute value and employment opportunities to the community.

Eve's eVTOL is scheduled to enter service in 2026.