From test flights to revenue: How AIR quietly reached eVTOL maturity

The article highlights AIR's distinctive and methodical approach to advancing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, contrasting with many startups that focused on hype and passenger urban air taxis. Founded in 2018, AIR prioritized patient development by initially testing scaled prototypes and refining manufacturability rather than public demonstrations. This strategy enabled AIR to transition early from concept to full-scale development, initiating flight tests in 2022 and achieving significant milestones such as a full transition flight with maximum payload by the end of that year. Unlike many competitors, AIR moved quickly into operational contexts, delivering its first uncrewed cargo aircraft by mid-2023, which entered active service performing real logistics missions. AIR’s strategic focus on uncrewed cargo operations allowed it to bypass the heavier regulatory burdens associated with piloted passenger eVTOL certification, accelerating commercial deployment and revenue generation. By 2023, AIR earned about $1 million from cargo orders, which grew fivefold in 2024, outp