Fly Above The Gridlock: San Francisco To Get Electric Commuter Flights By 2026

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle manufacturer Eve Air Mobility EVEX and United Airlines Holdings Inc UAL announced their plans to introduce electric commuter flights in San Francisco, covering the Bay Area, with service expected to begin in 2026.

What Happened: The collaboration between the two companies involves working with officials and technology providers to establish the necessary infrastructure and determine the future route network for these electric flights.

"The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility," said co-CEO of Eve Air Mobility Andre Stein.

Why It Matters: This partnership comes after United Airlines made a $15 million investment in Eve air mobility last year. Additionally, the airline has a conditional agreement with Eve to acquire 200 eVTOLs, along with 200 options.

Eve’s eVTOL aircraft is fully powered by electricity and offers a range of 60 miles, accommodating four passengers in addition to the pilot. 

While the initial flights will be piloted, the companies have indicated their plans to transition to autonomous operations in the future. Once autonomous flight certification is obtained, the eVTOL will be able to carry up to six passengers.

Urban areas like San Francisco and Chicago are known for their standstill traffic and congestion, paving the way for alternatives like e-bikes and scooters. According to INRIX 2022 Global Traffic scorecard, San Francisco is ranked 15th across seven continents and 1,000 plus cities with 97 hours lost due to traffic.

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