FlyNow Aviationan Austrian start-up, is preparing to transform the urban air transport landscape with its range of eVTOL aircraft, eCopters. Currently in the midst of a Series B fundraising round, the company plans to test a cargo model by early 2027, followed by one- and two-seat passenger models by 2029.

Impressive performance for eCopters

FlyNow eCopters are distinguished by:

• Maximum take-off weight: 1,254 pounds (approximately 570 kg)
• Autonomy: More than 27 nautical miles
• Cruising speed: 71 knots

Operating with two counter-rotating rotors, FlyNow aims to certify its aircraft under existing EASA rules, CS-27 for helicopters. This innovative approach could pave the way for rapid adoption of eVTOLs in advanced air mobility.

A vision inspired by the automotive industry

Jürgen Greil, CEO of FlyNow, draws on his 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, where he worked on alternative propulsion systems. According to him, the adoption of electric vehicles in the automotive sector has not achieved its goals, and eVTOL competitors are making the same mistakes. Greil states:

“We want to be the Model T Ford of the sky.” It aims to reduce the costs of industrialization of eVTOLs and to offer competitive prices, representing at least half of the prices currently charged by the Chinese manufacturer EHang, which has domestic prices around $312,000 per vehicle.

Ambitious production and competitive price targets

FlyNow aspires to produce up to 10,000 aircraft per year, starting at a rate of 3,000 units. The objective is to position itself in the same price segment as luxury cars, such as the Mercedes E Class or the BMW 5 Series.

An automated flight system

The eCopters will fly in a manner automaticwith a flight control system guiding the aircraft from one point to another according to predefined flight plans. Greil has already spoken with the Austrian air traffic management agency, Austro Control, which appears open to integrating this concept into existing regulations.

Practical applications around the world

Initial operations could be limited to single trips from A to B, requiring minimum frequency to be profitable. Greil compares this approach to “a cable car without cables.”

FlyNow has focused its customer prospecting efforts outside of Europe, with ongoing discussions in countries such as:

• Gulf Emirates
• India
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Kenya

Greil points out that cities like Riyadh, where residents spend the equivalent of a month a year in traffic jams, represent significant market opportunities.

Testing and development underway

In July 2023, FlyNow began flight tests of a full-scale model at Salzburg Airport. In summer 2024, an improved version was introduced. Another model is used for promotional purposes at exhibitions. The company plans to launch test applications in controlled environments on a few routes.

The aircraft design, including 14-foot rotors, avionics and software, was developed in-house. FlyNow also works with partners, mainly from the automotive sector, for the supply of motors, rotor blades, 40 kWh batteries and cabin components.

A promising future

Financial support comes mainly from family offices and venture capitalists. FlyNow is also considering strategic partnerships with players in the private aviation sector. The choice of where to manufacture eCopters will depend on the origin of strategic investments and the location of key customers.

FlyNow Aviation thus establishes itself as an innovative player in the field of eVTOL aircraft, ready to redefine urban transport for years to come.