A study amongst private equity and venture capitalists revealed that 82% expect public confidence in the eVTOL sector to increase over the next three years with 18% expecting a dramatic increase. The survey by Horizon Aircraft (Horizon), an innovative eVTOL player.
What were the findings of Horizon’s study?
When asked for the reasons why they believe there is increasing public confidence, 80% cited the fact that there is a growing acceptance that the first eVTOL flights will have qualified pilots, and this is followed by 69% who said major developments around regulation of the sector. Other factors include more high-profile media coverage of successes, more successful passenger and cargo VTOL trials, and a growing number of larger firms becoming involved.
| Reasons for growing public confidence in the eVTOL sector | Percentage of venture capital and private equity professionals who selected this reason for growing public confidence in the sector |
| Growing acceptance that the first eVTOL flights will have qualified pilots | 80%
|
| Major regulatory developments in the sector | 69% |
| More high-profile positive media coverage of the sector | 60% |
| More successful passenger and cargo drone trials | 57% |
| More large corporations becoming involved in the sector | 34% |
Commenting on the research findings, Brandon Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Aircraft said, “As public confidence in the eVTOL market grows, professional investors expect the sector’s order book to grow and more investment to flow into the industry.”
“Our research shows 63% of private equity and venture capitalists expect there to be over 430,000 air taxis in operation by 2040, and 88% anticipate the sector will generate at least $30.7bn by 2030. It is not surprising that our research shows 54% of professional investors expect over $30bn will be invested in the market by 2030, compared to $7 billion in 2021.”
What is the market offering of Horizon Aircraft?
Horizon Aircraft, and its flagship Cavorite X5 design, has been attracting significant interest from within the industry having won several grants, a US Department of Defence advanced research and development contract award, and being ahead of its competitors with its large-scale prototype already flying. Horizon Aircraft is currently running rigorous flight testing of its 50%-scale prototype while continuing to develop a detailed design of a full-scale aircraft.
Horizon’s innovative approach and technology allows its Cavorite X5 to fly 98% of its mission in a very low-drag configuration like a traditional aircraft. Flying most of the time as a normal aircraft is safer and will make the aircraft easier to certify than radical new eVTOL designs.
The aircraft will also be powered by a hybrid electric system that can recharge array in-flight while providing additional system redundancy. Testing of this 50%-scale aircraft will reduce technical risk moving forward as Horizon continues development of its full-scale aircraft.
