AIR, the Israel-based developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has surpassed $1bn in orders, as it capitalises growing momentum in the emerging “smart aircraft” market.
The company said it now has more than 3,300 customers on a waiting list for its aircraft, with some having already placed deposits. AIR has also generated more than $35m in booked revenue to date, largely from the sale and delivery of heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), alongside ground control stations, servicing packages and spare parts.
The bulk of the order pipeline relates to its AIR One personal aircraft, a two-seater fully electric eVTOL designed for private use. The aircraft has a projected range of 100 miles, top speeds of up to 155mph and a payload capacity of 550 lbs. AIR said 3,290 units have been ordered, with deliveries expected following U.S. regulatory approval and the start of scaled production.
The company is also developing cargo-focused aircraft, with more than 25 heavy-lift UAS orders secured and two units already delivered. AIR expects to produce and deliver over 20 cargo aircraft this year.
Chief executive Rani Plaut said the level of demand reflected “a rapidly emerging market” for advanced air mobility across personal, commercial and defence applications.
AIR is progressing towards U.S. certification milestones, including potential classification of its AIR One aircraft under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Light Sport Aircraft category. The company recently secured experimental airworthiness certification for a U.S.-based prototype and raised $23m in a Series A funding round last year.
The business has partnerships with organisations including the U.S. Air Force and continues to expand production capacity as it targets commercial deployment.