Summary of eVTOL and AAM Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is expected to experience significant advancements in 2026, with manufacturers making progress toward aircraft certification and the FAA launching the eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) [3][7] Key Points 1. 2026 as a Catalyst Year - 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the eVTOL and AAM industry, with meaningful progress expected in aircraft certification and the launch of the eIPP [3][7] - Public-private partnerships are expected to be announced by March 2026, with initial operations projected to begin around June 2026, approximately 90 days after these agreements [3][4][7] 2. Positive Sentiment and Market Impact - The eIPP initiative is expected to drive positive sentiment for both publicly traded and private eVTOL/AAM companies, including Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Vertical Aerospace, Eve Air Mobility, Wisk Aero, and Electra [4][8] - The eIPP may favor US-based companies as it aims to promote and advance the industry domestically [4] 3. Industry Catalysts - A steady sequence of industry catalysts is expected to build momentum throughout the year, including: 1. Establishment of public-private partnerships 2. Launch of initial eIPP operations 3. Increased public visibility of eVTOL aircraft in active flight [8][7] 4. eIPP Program Details - The eIPP is a public-private partnership led by the FAA, aimed at accelerating real-world deployment of eVTOL and AAM operations while generating operational data for future policy and regulation [9] - The program will test diverse operations, including air taxis, fixed-wing flights, cargo, logistics, emergency response, and automation [7][9] 5. Operational Scope and Timeline - The eIPP will include at least five pilot projects, utilizing piloted, optionally piloted, or unmanned AAM aircraft generally over 1,320 lbs, capable of carrying passengers [11] - Key timeline dates include: - Early March 2026: Announcement of public-private partnerships - ~90 days post-agreement: Initial eIPP operations to begin - Conclusion of the eIPP Program: 3 years after the first pilot project becomes operational [13] Company-Specific Insights Beta Technologies (BETA) - Expected to receive electric motor certification in early 2026, with initial eIPP operations likely to include cargo, medical, and logistics operations [16] - Plans to operate conforming CTOL aircraft in these initial operations, with certification expected by late 2026 or early 2027 [16] Joby Aviation (JOBY) - Anticipates early commercial operations to begin in Dubai in 2026, along with for-credit TIA flight testing with FAA test pilots [16] - Plans to start flying government mission demonstrations through a partnership with L3Harris in 2026 [16] Embraer S.A. (EMBJ) - Eve flight test campaign will be ongoing throughout 2026, with production of conforming prototype aircraft expected to begin [18] Risks and Considerations - The industry remains in its early stages, with inherent risks accompanying significant opportunities [8] - Potential risks include delays in aircraft certification, customer cancellations of orders, and challenges in gaining community acceptance for vertiports [23][26] Conclusion - The eVTOL and AAM industry is on the brink of significant developments in 2026, driven by regulatory support and public-private partnerships, which could reshape urban air mobility and create new investment opportunities.