The collaboration is said to pave the way for ‘streamlined, scalable production’ of AIR’s new eVTOL aircraft.
FORT WORTH, Texas—AIR, an original equipment manufacturer of midsize, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, reported it is partnering with EDAG Group, an independent engineering service provider to the mobility industry, to produce the main aircraft structure for the AIR ONE production model.
The collaboration with EDAG Group is reported to enhance AIR’s ability to scale production while upholding the company’s standards of quality, reliability, and innovation. The first series of the main structure has already been delivered to AIR. Now, the production aircraft are currently being assembled, with plans for delivery to customers later this year, according to a joint release from AIR and EDAG.
The new main aircraft structure is said to offer the AIR ONE improved features, including a folding wing mechanism, folding motor arms, and expanded cabin space. These updates are designed to meet the needs of individual owners of the manned aircraft, as well as enterprises using the unmanned cargo variant in sectors like logistics. “While private owners benefit from improved functionality and comfort, businesses relying on the unmanned model gain enhanced efficiency and adaptability, thanks to its quick loading ability and rapid cargo securing functionality,” the release stated.
“Partnering with an industry trailblazer like EDAG—who has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands—is a testament to our vision of bringing the automotive world into aviation and enabling the efficient production of dependable eVTOL aircraft,” said Rani Plaut, CEO and co-founder of AIR, in a statement. “With EDAG’s expertise in vehicle development, design, and production, we are taking a critical step toward bringing advanced air mobility to the masses. This partnership paves the way for streamlined, scalable production of AIR ONE, enabling faster delivery to meet the growing demand from consumers and enterprises for accessible air transportation.”
With a cargo volume of 70 cubic feet, the production frame enables the aircraft to accommodate a wide range of cargo, from emergency stretchers to standard pallets. This is said to highlight AIR ONE’s versatility as a multi-use, modular aircraft. The structure, primarily constructed from aluminum, provides the optimal balance of strength and weight needed to meet the diverse demands of personal and enterprise use cases, the release stated.
“Collaborating with AIR on the AIR ONE is a significant step forward in our work within the eVTOL sector,” stated Harald Keller, CEO at EDAG. “Our goal has always been to create efficient, high-performance designs, and this project is no exception. The AIR ONE’s main structure, with its innovative features like the folding wing and spacious cabin, reflects our dedication to delivering scalable solutions that meet diverse needs. This partnership supports AIR in delivering advanced air mobility with the reliability and precision that the industry demands and that EDAG is known for.”
AIR stated that in the past year, the company has doubled its team size and expanded its product line with the introduction of AIR’s eVTOL for cargo use. This unmanned variant, complementing the company’s flagship piloted eVTOL for personal flight, is designed for enterprise and logistics use.
“AIR continues to build substantial flight test hours with its full-scale prototypes after successfully demonstrating all phases of flight,” the release stated. “The company has already delivered an initial prototype unit of its uncrewed cargo variant and plans to continue fulfilling orders using the EDAG production frame later this year.”
According to the release, the piloted AIR ONE is on track for delivery to general aviation (GA) customers following aircraft certification. More than 2,200 preorders for personal use are reportedly in place, along with a growing waitlist.
AIR is working to enhance everyday mobility through transformative flight technology. The company combines “innovations in distributed electric propulsion (DEP) with aerospace expertise, the maturity of automotive technology, and uncompromising safety standards powered by proprietary fly-tech,” the release stated.
The EDAG Group realizes projects for the automotive industry and other industrial sectors, including semiconductors, chemicals, defense, and medical devices. With an interdisciplinary team of more than 9,100 experts and its own 360-degree development approach, the EDAG Group stated that it “covers the entire spectrum of modern mobility, combining innovative technologies and future-oriented concepts.”