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theion is developing lithium-sulfur battery technology targeting 500 watt hours per kilogram in their first commercial product—nearly double today's lithium-ion cells at 270-300 Wh/kg—with an ultimate roadmap to 1,000 Wh/kg. By replacing nickel-manganese-cobalt cathodes with crystalline sulfur and graphite anodes with lithium metal, theion aims to deliver three times the energy density at one-third the cost and CO2 footprint of current batteries. In this episode of BUILDERS, we sat down with Dr. Ulrich Ehmes, CEO of theion, to discuss how a production-focused CEO is navigating the journey from TRL 3-4 to pilot line, why they're targeting electric aviation first, and how a 12-year battery industry veteran evaluates what actually constitutes a materials breakthrough. Topics Discussed: Why sulfur cathodes and lithium metal anodes enable the performance jump beyond lithium-ion The critical importance of monoclinic gamma crystalline structure for cycle life Navigating the transition from coin cells to pouch cells to industrialization Strategic decision-making on initial market entry for deep tech hardware Why process innovation in mixing and coating is required to unlock sulfur's full potential Building a China-independent supply chain using oil refining waste The 3-year development reality driven by cycling test requirements GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Price your technology against value creation, not cost savings alone: Ulrich's market strategy centers on "markets which will pay a lot of money for super lightweight batteries"—specifically aviation applications where weight reduction directly enables business model viability. For eVTOLs, the constraint isn't battery cost but energy density; current batteries make many routes economically impossible. This is fundamentally different from cost-driven markets like consumer EVs where incremental weight savings have marginal value. Deep tech founders should map which customer segments face hard physical constraints that only your technology solves versus those seeking incremental optimization. The former will pay 3-5x premiums; the latter will demand cost parity from day one. Match CEO background to the company's primary risk: Ulrich led Leica's 600-person Portugal production facility for a decade before entering batteries, and he frames his value as "I'm a production guy...for me it's very important not to produce only one battery cell in a lab, but millions of cells in highest quality." For a battery company at TRL 3-4 moving toward industrialization, the existential risk isn't the science—it's whether you can manufacture at quality and yield. Many deep tech companies fail because PhD founders remain CEOs through manufacturing scale-up. Ulrich's hire signals that theion's board correctly diagnosed their de-risking sequence. Founders should brutally assess what will kill the company in the next 24 months and ensure the CEO's pattern recognition matches that failure mode. Seek investors where your technology is infrastructure for their thesis: theion's primary investor is "heavily invested in eVTOLs," making theion's battery technology directly relevant to multiple portfolio companies facing the same energy density constraint. This creates structural alignment on timeline expectations—eVTOL companies won't reach commercial scale before 2027-2028 anyway, matching theion's development cycle. The investor understands that battery development "takes time because always when you change a parameter, you have to cycle again to test the cells." This is radically different from a generalist VC expecting SaaS-like iteration speeds. Hardware founders should explicitly map how their technology unblocks other portfolio companies and use this to negotiate patient capital terms and strategic customer introductions. Use competitive landscape size as legitimacy signal, not differentiation: When pressed on disrupting incumbents, Ulrich immediately countered: "We are not the only company working on sulfur and this is good...there are 28 other companies out there." He then differentiated on "monoclinic gamma crystalline structure" validated by Drexel University achieving 4,000+ cycles. This is sophisticated category positioning: the 28 competitors validate that lithium-sulfur is a credible next-generation technology, while the specific crystalline approach provides technical differentiation for those who understand the chemistry. Founders should resist the urge to claim they're the only ones solving a problem in nascent categories—it raises "why hasn't anyone else tried this?" concerns. Instead, position within an emerging category and differentiate on technical approach. Communicate realistic timelines as competence signaling, not weakness: Ulrich states plainly that commercial availability is "at least the next three years" and frames this as doing "first things first and first things right." For sophisticated buyers in aviation and aerospace, compressed timelines signal naivety about certification requirements, manufacturing validation, and qualification testing. A battery company claiming 12-month commercialization would lose credibility with Boeing or Joby Aviation procurement teams who understand the actual development cycles. Deep tech founders should recognize that customer segments accustomed to long development cycles (aerospace, automotive, medical devices) interpret realistic timelines as domain expertise, while consumer/software buyers may interpret them as lack of urgency. Match timeline communication to buyer sophistication. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
空の移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。今回は、2026年2月に開催された「シンガポールエアショー2026」の現地レポート第1弾!アッキーとジミーが、熱気ムンムンの会場から映像コンテンツ(YouTube)と連動してお届けします!Youtubeはこちらから!https://youtu.be/G5chRzec2HA?si=C427n7PgYhHhlC0qシンガポールの巨頭STエンジニアリング!会場で最大級の存在感! 売上1.4兆円規模のコングロマリットが描く、イスラエルAir社との提携機体、AI搭載のマザーシップ?中国勢の圧倒的物量!F-35にそっくり?なステルス戦闘機J-35A!日本のUS-2に激似な水陸両用機など、「これ、どこかで見たことあるぞ?」というマニアックなツッコミ!元エンジン屋アッキーの血がたぎる!ルフトハンザ・テクニークの巨大レゴエンジン!ファンブレードから燃焼器まで、レゴで再現された内部構造を使いながら、ターボファンエンジンの仕組みを徹底解説!日本も負けていない!日本発スタートアップ、エアカムイのダンボールドローン?1機わずか30万円、現地で5分で組み立て可能、なのに80kmも飛べるという衝撃スペック!防衛装備庁ブースで異彩を放つ、日本の技術力の新しい形とは?ベル505の最新コックピット!WISKのキャビンスペース見学、ボーイング777Xの圧倒的な天井の高さ…などなど。空の産業の今をギュッと凝縮した30分です!SNSリンク ■X/Twitter https://twitter.com/evtolradio■eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらから https://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8 関連リンク■Youtube動画はこちらhttps://youtu.be/G5chRzec2HA?si=C427n7PgYhHhlC0q■Singapore Airshowhttps://www.singaporeairshow.com/the-show/about-singapore-airshow
1. eVTOL in der Luftrettung: Erprobung des „Romeo" startet 2. Krisengipfel zur Flugmedizin: Ministerium macht Druck auf das LBA 3. AERO 2026: Markiert euch den 12. Februar für die Slot-Jagd! 4. Der 60-Minuten-Check: Pflichtübung oder echte Chance? https://www.aerokurier.de/praxis/auffrischungsschulung-eine-flugstunde-fuer-die-sicherheit/ 5. Profi-Tipps für die Linse: „Behind the Lens"-Workshop https://www.aerokurier.de/fotoworkshop-air-to-air-fotografie-von-den-besten-lernen/ 6. Vereinskultur im Wandel: Rituale wertschätzend gestalten https://www.daec.de/news/news-detail/rituale-im-luftsport/ 7. Shark-Treffen in Hilzingen: Hai-Alarm im Hegau Event: Achtes Treffen der Shark-Community (Segelflieger). Wann: 4. bis 11. Juli (flexible Anreise möglich). Wo: Hilzingen (EDTH), im Hegau nahe dem Bodensee. Fliegerisch rechnen statt raten: Die wichtigsten Faustformeln für Privatpiloten Rechnen im Cockpit ist keine Nostalgie aus der Zeit vor Tablet und Glascockpit. Es ist aktives Risikomanagement. In dieser Folge geht es um genau die Faustformeln, die in der Allgemeinen Luftfahrt täglich über Sicherheitsreserven entscheiden – bei Startstrecke, Landestrecke, Dichtehöhe, Seitenwindkomponente und Navigation. Wir sprechen über reale Flugleistungsberechnung statt Idealwerte aus dem Flughandbuch. Standardatmosphäre, 15 Grad und Meereshöhe existieren fast nie. Temperatur, Platzhöhe, QNH-Abweichung, Bahnneigung oder Gras verändern die Performance spürbar. Pro Prozent Steigung rund zehn Prozent mehr Startstrecke. Gras schnell plus zwanzig Prozent. Aus rechnerisch sicheren 600 Metern werden realistisch 900 Meter. Genau hier trennt sich Theorie von Praxis. Ein Schwerpunkt ist die Dichtehöhe. Warum sich ein Flugzeug an warmen Tagen „müde“ anfühlt, obwohl der Platz fast auf Meereshöhe liegt. Wie du Druckhöhe überschlägst (30 ft pro hPa Abweichung) und Temperaturkorrekturen berechnest (ca. 120 ft pro Grad über ISA). Und warum daraus plötzlich mehrere tausend Fuß Leistungsunterschied entstehen können. Wir klären den Unterschied zwischen IAS und TAS (Faustregel: rund 2 Prozent mehr True Airspeed pro 1.000 ft), sprechen über Höhenmesserfehler bei kalter Luft und zeigen, warum du im Gebirge real tiefer fliegst als angezeigt. Auch der Kurvenflug wird sauber eingeordnet: steigende Überziehgeschwindigkeit mit zunehmender Querneigung ist kein Detail, sondern ein echter Sicherheitsfaktor im Anflug. In der Navigation geht es um die 1:60-Regel, rechtweisend versus missweisend, Kartenmaßstab und schnelle Korrekturen ohne Taschenrechner. Beim Seitenwind reicht im Cockpit die Drittel-Methode – bis 30 Grad voller Wind, 30–60 Grad zwei Drittel, darüber ein Drittel. Dazu der Umgang mit Böigkeit und die saubere Erhöhung der Anfluggeschwindigkeit. Auch die Kraftstoffplanung wird realistisch betrachtet: nicht nur Reiseflugverbrauch, sondern Rollen, Start, Steigflug, Verzögerungen, Alternate und gesetzliche Reserven (30 Minuten am Tag, 45 Minuten bei Nacht). Mindestbedarf ist keine Komfortzone. Diese Episode richtet sich an Privatpiloten, die Flugplanung nicht als Pflichtübung sehen, sondern als Kern ihrer Flugsicherheit. Keine Theorieakrobatik, sondern belastbare Überschlagsrechnungen für den Alltag. Wer Zahlen versteht, trifft bessere Entscheidungen – besonders dann, wenn es im Cockpit schnell gehen muss.
A Joby Aviation é uma empresa norte-americana que desenvolve aeronaves elétricas de descolagem e aterragem vertical, criadas para funcionar como táxis aéreos urbanos.A empresa desenvolveu um eVTOL para um piloto e quatro passageiros, capaz de voar até 320 km/h e percorrer cerca de 240 km com uma única carga de bateria.#JobyAviation #Mobilidade
- Farley To Trump: Force Chinese OEMs Into U.S. Joint Ventures - Chinese OEMs Target Global Mid-Size Pickup Market - Stellantis Defies Market Data with Diesel Resurrection in Europe - VW Faces New Criminal Trial in France - Toyota Teaches Joby Aviation "TPS" To Scale eVTOL Production - Chinese Suppliers Still Struggle with Payments - Cathode Costs Remain the Primary Hurdle for Solid-State Scaling
- Farley To Trump: Force Chinese OEMs Into U.S. Joint Ventures - Chinese OEMs Target Global Mid-Size Pickup Market - Stellantis Defies Market Data with Diesel Resurrection in Europe - VW Faces New Criminal Trial in France - Toyota Teaches Joby Aviation "TPS" To Scale eVTOL Production - Chinese Suppliers Still Struggle with Payments - Cathode Costs Remain the Primary Hurdle for Solid-State Scaling
January 26, 2026: Air Taxis and Vertical AerospaceKeep your eyes on the skies, because electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are about to be taking off.Not quite an airplane and not quite a helicopter, an eVTOL is perhaps best described as a piloted drone that carry passengers. They ascend straight up during takeoff, are quieter than a refrigerator, give off zero emissions, and can reach top speeds of 200 miles per hour.eVTOLs are a unique new form of transportation that could reduce traffic congestion in densely-populated areas and are gaining regulatory clearances in both the US and abroad. Several companies are already conducting pilot programs that have been partially-funded by airlines and automakers.On Monday's show, MyWallSt's founder Emmet Savage and I discuss how this new industry is reaching a higher altitude.Our stock of focus was Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) a fascinating innovator who's also much less inexpensive than its other eVTOL peers.⚠️ Not financial advice. Do your own research before investing.#evtol #watchlist #stockpicks #dividends #chipstocks #marketing #7investing #investing2026 #techinvesting
In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Austin Spiegel, CTO and Co-Founder of SIFT, to explore how better data infrastructure is accelerating advanced air mobility development. Austin explains how SIFT's hardware observability platform helps OEMs capture, organize and analyze vast volumes of telemetry generated across the entire aircraft lifecycle—from simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing to manufacturing and flight operations. With certification programmes placing increasing pressure on traceability and auditability, he highlights how fragmented data systems, siloed workflows and manual reporting processes can create costly bottlenecks for eVTOL developers. The conversation dives into how SIFT creates a unified, structured “digital thread” that links telemetry to specific assets, sub-assemblies and manufacturing processes—enabling clear, regulator-ready evidence paths. Austin also discusses real-time flight test monitoring, automated pass/fail reporting, anomaly detection through “family” data comparisons, and the growing regulatory shift toward digital-ready, interactive evidence rather than static PDFs. With SIFT recently announcing a $42 million Series B raise, Austin shares how the company is scaling its team and capabilities to support the next phase of growth in aviation and beyond—building toward a single source of truth for hardware data that helps OEMs reduce late-stage surprises and move more confidently toward certification.
Steve Caplin reports on the Chinese village which lost power after a farmer transporting a pig to the abbatoir by drone managed to get it tangled in a power line. There's a new eVTOL single-seat aircraft available to buy next year. Network Rail is to use drones to predict crimes on train lines, though it hasn't revealed what they'll do if they spot one. Criminal gangs are using lifestyle surveys to clone pensioners' voices and then raid their bank accounts. ROLI have devised an AI music coach to teach people how to play the piano. There's a crowd-funded visual soldering iron, eyedrops to treat presbyopia and the extraordinary project The Line in Saudi Arabia is being reduced from a city 105 miles long to just 1.5 miles, which might be used to host AI data centres. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
空の移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。某金融機関のMさん(ヘビーリスナー2号)と某設計事務所のSさん(3号)を迎えたゲストシリーズ、ついに完結!収録の合間もトークが止まらず、もはや「番外編の場外乱闘編」!今回は台本なしのガチ雑談で、eVTOLの「これから」を深掘りします!投資のプロ・Mさんが語る資本市場のリアル。機体メーカーが型式証明大学を卒業するための入学金2000億円!アメリカ勢の圧倒的なマネーパワー!その裏で起きているエンジニアの流動性!まるで式年遷宮?エンジニアのサイクル?「5年前ならチャンスがあった」?という厳しい現実、日本が「下請け」ではなく共同開発のパートナーとして「第2ラウンド」に食い込むための輸出産業戦略?建築家・Sさんが描く日本の空のグランドデザイン!アメリカの土地柄に合う機体は、日本風にアレンジできる?平地が少なく都市が過密な日本だからこそ、バテチカ(バーティポート地下)や屋上を全て繋ぐ大胆な発想?Sさん自ら開発した東京駅の上を飛べるかシュミレーション!瞬時に判別するシミュレーションツールの凄さにみんな大興奮!「大切なことは全てeVTOLラジオかマーク・ムーアに教わった」…迷言?名言?などなど。業界への愛と毒素が詰まった最終回です!■eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらからhttps://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8SNSリンク■X/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/evtolradio■関連リンク
FAA reorganization and shutdown prep, Airbus A220 stretch, certification as a trade tool, UPS MD‑11 retirement, 777X engine snag, fatal Challenger crash, iconic aircraft, new NASM galleries, aviation career issues, aviation-themed music, and a future DC‑3/CH‑47 fly‑in. Aviation News FAA Adds Departments, Shuffles Roles The new FAA reorganization differs from the previous structure mainly by centralizing safety oversight, creating new modernization and advanced technology offices, and consolidating internal support functions under new top-level offices. A new, agency‑wide Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) Organization implements a single safety system and risk-management strategy across all FAA lines of business, rather than having safety functions and metrics siloed in multiple offices as before. An Airspace Modernization Office is dedicated to rolling out the “brand‑new air traffic control system” and overseeing broader NAS modernization, which previously was handled within the Air Traffic Organization and other units rather than a single, focused office. An Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies integrates UAS, eVTOL, AAM, electric, and supersonic aircraft into the NAS. These functions were formerly spread among UAS integration, NextGen, and various certification/AVS branches. A new Administration and Finance Office consolidates the functions of finance, information technology, and human resources. Previously, they were distributed across multiple lines of business and staff offices. A Policy and Legal Office pulls together policy, legal, stakeholder engagement, financial assistance, and the agency's rulemaking/regulatory office. Previously, rulemaking and policy lived mainly within Aviation Safety and other distinct policy offices. The Administration and Finance Office, Policy and Legal Office, Air Traffic Organization, and the new safety and modernization offices all report to the Administrator. Shutdown Plan for FAA Involves 10K Furloughs The FAA's plan for the short-lived partial government shutdown was to furlough more than 10,000 FAA workers and withhold pay for 13,835 air traffic controllers. Exclusive: Airbus to kickstart pre-sales for a larger A220 jet, sources say Airbus is considering launching an A220 stretch – the A220-500 with around 180 seats. This is a “simple stretch,” meaning the same wings, the same engines, and a longer fuselage. The Airbus Board approval is required before the A220-500 can be formally launched. Trade War Skies: Understanding Trump's 2026 Decertification Order on Canadian Aircraft In a January 30, 2026, social media post, President Donald Trump announced the “decertification” of all Canadian-manufactured aircraft if Gulfstream aircraft were not certified by Canada. The President alleged that Canada has “wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly” refused to certify U.S.-made G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets. If Transport Canada did not act immediately, a 50% tariff would be implemented. Over 5,400 Canadian-built planes are registered in the U.S. This sent shockwaves, if not panic, throughout the industry. With time, clarification has come: The order would apply to new aircraft airworthiness certificates and wouldn't ground the fleet. The IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) urged a separation of safety regulation and political grievances. “You can't weaponize the certification process,” said union leaders, emphasizing that aviation safety should remain an independent pillar of global travel. Some feel Transport Canada is holding off on certifying the G700 and G800 mainly because they are not willing to mirror the FAA's temporary fuel‑icing exemption. The Canadian regulator wants the full cold‑weather and icing compliance demonstrated first. UPS won't resurrect MD-11 fleet after deadly crash, takes $137M charge UPS is retiring its fleet of 27 MD-11 aircraft and, in the process, writing off $137 million after-tax. The MD-11s will be replaced with twin-engine Boeing 767-300 cargo jets. In response to the grounding of the MD-11 fleet, UPS repositioned some aircraft from outside the US, expanded transportation by truck, and leased planes from partner airlines. During an earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes said, “Over the next fifteen months, we expect to take delivery of 18 new Boeing 767 aircraft, with 15 expected to deliver this year. As new aircraft join our fleet, we will step down the leased aircraft and associated expenses. We believe these actions are consistent with building a more efficient global network positioned for growth, flexibility and profitability.” Boeing's certification ‘hangover' drags on with new 777X issue Also, Boeing has identified an engine durability issue with the General Electric GE9X engines that power the 777X, although CEO Kelly Ortberg says this will not impact the first 777X delivery in 2027. Also, Ortberg signalled to investors that the company plans to increase 737 MAX production this year to 47 from 42 planes per month. Boeing has been preparing a fourth MAX production line in Everett to produce 737 MAX 10s, although the aircraft has yet to receive certification. Boeing posted job openings for the line, and the tooling is complete. Tracing the hours after a fatal plane crash in Bangor The Bombardier Challenger 600‑series business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in a snowstorm, killing all six people on board and triggering a complex, weather‑hampered investigation. The business jet was operating a private flight from Bangor to Europe with two crew and four passengers from the Houston area. The plane had been deiced and was cleared for takeoff on runway 33 around 7:40–7:45 p.m., in heavy snow, with visibility down to about three‑quarters of a mile and several inches of snow on the ground. Within roughly a minute of takeoff clearance, controllers halted all traffic after the aircraft crashed on or near the runway, coming to rest inverted and on fire. Possible lines of inquiry include: Wing contamination and ice buildup are known risk factors that have contributed to past Challenger‑series accidents. Aircraft performance and whether the wing stalled on takeoff. Deicing procedures and timing relative to takeoff, including whether holdover times were exceeded. Crew qualifications, training, and recent duty history. Mechanical condition of the aircraft and any anomalies captured on the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which have been sent to the NTSB in Washington. Mentioned National Air and Space Museum Announces Plans To Celebrate 50 Years The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum opened on July 1, 1976, as a gift to the nation for the U.S. bicentennial. Five new galleries will open to the public on the museum's 50th anniversary, July 1, 2026, and in time for the nation's 250th anniversary. Galleries opening July 1, 2026: Flight and the Arts Center Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe RTX Living in the Space Age Textron How Things Fly Galleries opening in the autum 2026: At Home in Space (Oct. 30) Modern Military Aviation (Veteran's Day, Nov. 11) This completes the museum's multi-year renovation. Soar Together Family Day at Innovations in Flight: World War II on the Homefront Check this site for information about the National Air & Space Museum’s annual Innovations in Flight event. The DC-3 Society is planning an inaugural DC-3 Society DC-3 Fly-In. Date and location TBD. See the January 2026 Newsletter. Video: 737 St. Erasmus’ Airshow, Full Music Album, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED https://youtu.be/lcY3uU8uG2E Video: 737 Airshow America, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED. https://youtu.be/-Sl5WvWRhWo Video: HARS CONNIE – The Years Fly Past – Wings Over Illawarra 2016 https://youtu.be/duSOTbanz-8?si=13bcDNa5Sfv9JgPq Music In a blast from the AGP past, Brother Love provides opening and closing music from the Album Of The Year CD. (On Facebook.) Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.
空の移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。前回に引き続き、某金融機関のMさん(ヘビーリスナー2号)と某設計事務所のSさん(3号)を迎えたゲスト回の中編です!冒頭ユーリーの「内田有紀」に似ている説で盛り上がるパパたち。そんな和やかなムードも束の間、今回もお二人のプロフェッショナルな視点が炸裂!建築家のSさん、リスナーには見えないのがもったいない!超大作のパワポ資料を手に、「風をデザインする」バーティポート設計の裏側を披露!将来のビル開発予測から「制限表面」を割り出す緻密な作業?コンピューターによるビル風のシミュレーション?「風をどう逃がすか」を語る熱量はまさに職人芸!離着陸の様子をライブで見せることで社会受容性を高める?地下鉄ならぬ「バテチカ(バーティポート地下)」構想?ホーリーとの意外な接点?投資のプロMさんが語るは、まさに「空の黄金時代」の熱狂!2020年にアメリカのシンポジウム(VFS)で体感した、FAAやジョビー、軍関係者が一体となったライト兄弟以来の変革への期待感!航空機ファイナンスという名の総合格闘技?既存の機体のアップデートに飽きた天才エンジニアたちが、システム全体を再デザインできる喜びに駆られてスタートアップへ大移動!世界規模の地殻変動、対する日本の「もったいない」状況への鋭いメタ分析!建築と金融、全く違う角度から時代を解剖。「5年前ならチャンスがあった?」と悔しさを滲ませつつも、第2ラウンドを見据える二人の熱量?収録後に飲みに行きたい!…などなど。情報の密度が限界突破しているゲストシリーズ第2弾です!■eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらからhttps://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8SNSリンク■X/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/evtolradio■関連リンク
Every now and then is good to stop for a second, and take some time to think and assess what's going on around you.If you are following the advanced air mobility industry on a day to day basis it is easy to get carried away by a deluge of triumphalist announcements and press releases.But what is real and what is mere hype?Adrian Norris is someone that not only knows the aviation industry inside out after decades of experience in different capacities, but he's also been an aircraft entrepreneur prior to becoming a consultant. So, he knows a thing or two about the challenges of developing and marketing a new aircraft type from scratch!I've been following Adrian's writings on Linkedin for quite some time. In the, he shares his critical analysis, based on objective, known facts, of some of the most prominent aviation projects going on in the world right now.Does hydrogen aviation have a future? What are the prospects for electric aircraft developers? Who's going to win the eVTOL race, if anyone?These are just some of the topics we discuss with Adrian in today's episode. What's more, rather than remain in the domain of the abstract and general, we are going to name specific companies and try to assess their chances of success.So, buckle up for a ride through the volatile world of advanced air mobility. We'll try to separate hype from reality in an industry in which high hopes and promising tech collide with challenging human and physical laws, challenging economics and shifting investor sentiment!
In this episode of eVTOL Insights, host Jason Pritchard sits down with Alison to explore the critical role of government affairs in advancing the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Alison shares how Regal Rexnord supports the eVTOL ecosystem through its aerospace-grade components, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and strategic collaboration with OEMs and policymakers. The discussion dives into regulatory readiness, public-private collaboration, and the importance of clear storytelling and transparency in building public trust. Alison offers valuable insights into how industry, government, and regulators are working together to ensure safe, sustainable, and timely deployment of eVTOL technology—positioning the U.S. to remain a global leader in next-generation aviation.
空の移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。今回はヘビーリスナーお二人に起こしいただくゲスト回です。熱狂的?もはや狂信的?な二人とのトーク、飲み会で「ネタに困ってるなら天気とかどう?」とミスタートルネードの本まで紹介してくれた、もはや構成作家?以前来ていただいたPさん1号に続きネーミング!2号のMさんは、なんと2021年のエピソード3か4あたりから聴き続けているという金融業界のプロ!航空機ファイナンスは「総合格闘技」?倒産リスクと切り離した「特別な箱」の仕組み!マニアックすぎてメンバーもタジタジ?3号のSさんは、設計事務所で街のグランドデザインを手掛ける建築家!航空業界外から参戦!今やバーティポートの設計までこなす熱量に脱帽!「アトリエ」で培った作家性と自由度!「手書き」へのこだわり!都市開発とバーティポートの切っても切れない関係、25年スパンで未来の都市を構想するその情熱!他にも「SMさん」って呼び方のネーミング大丈夫?ジェニファー無双の裏側で何が?航空機に「リボ払い」はあるの?レゴeVTOLの部品を踏んで「痛い!」となるあれ!…などなど。おじさんたちの化学反応をお楽しみください!eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらから https://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8SNSリンク ■X/Twitter https://twitter.com/evtolradio
In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, I sit down with Kerri Wise, Chief Marketing Officer at LotLinx, to unpack one of the biggest problems I've seen after decades of training sales teams: wasted time chasing the wrong leads while real opportunities sit right under our noses. Kerri brings a rare perspective, deep automotive experience from brands like TrueCar and Edmunds, paired with a clear understanding of how AI and machine learning can actually support dealership operations, not complicate them. We dive into LotLinx's newest product, Revive, launching at the NADA Show, which helps dealers reclaim "closed-lost" leads that sales teams have already moved on from but shoppers haven't. The data may surprise you: nearly 20% of those leads return to the dealership website within 45 days, often unnoticed. This conversation covers: Why most follow-up strategies waste salesperson time How AI identifies high-intent shoppers the moment they re-engage The difference between top-of-funnel noise and bottom-of-funnel gold Why AI adoption fails without human execution How dealerships can give their teams time, focus, and humanity back We also talk about what LotLinx is unveiling at NADA—including one of the biggest giveaways the automotive industry has ever seen. A $148,000 prize and let's just say Jetson 1, aerial vehicle that for anyone else is a 2 year waitlist! If you're a dealer, GM, sales leader, or operator thinking seriously about efficiency, AI, and profitability in a tightening market—this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, Darryl provides an in-depth overview of the CAA's recently published eVTOL Delivery Model, explaining why it was developed, what it contains and how it is intended to provide clarity and transparency for industry as the UK works toward enabling commercial eVTOL operations. The conversation explores how the delivery model aligns with the UK's Future of Flight programme and broader net zero ambitions, including the government's objective to see piloted passenger eVTOL operations in the UK by 2028. Darryl outlines the CAA's regulatory roadmap, key delivery principles, and the importance of building on existing aviation frameworks while remaining proportionate, flexible, and innovation-friendly. He also discusses what the CAA expects from industry in the near term, including engagement with live policy consultations, as well as how the delivery model will evolve through its 'flying now, flying tomorrow, and flying in future' phases. The episode covers certification challenges, vertiport and ground infrastructure regulation, airspace integration, ecosystem maturity in the UK, and the balance between regulatory certainty and technological innovation. The discussion concludes with practical advice for eVTOL stakeholders on early engagement with the regulator, insights into remaining unknowns around scaled deployment, and Darryl's perspective on why the UK is well positioned to play a leading role in the global advanced air mobility ecosystem.
空の移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。2026年初収録テンションで引き続きニュースをお届けします!寝起きで低音イケボなアッキーとともに、2025年ニュースを第4位からお届けします!海外進出加速!中東・東南アジア、そして驚きの中央アジアへ!もはや未来の話ではなく、領土拡大のフェーズ?ジョビーはドバイでの商用サービス開始カウントダウン!アーチャーも負けじとサウジアラビア、韓国、さらにアフリカ大陸まで!スカイドライブもスズキの力を武器に、ベトナム、タイなどアジアの渋滞解決に!迫る社会実装のための「実務」の時代!資本市場の厚み!米系メーカーの巨額資金調達!「型式証明大学」に入学するために必要な2000億円!アメリカ勢の資金調達が異次元のレベル!ベータついにIPOで1500億円を確保!機体丸ごとではなく、モーターやプロペラを単体で認定・販売するという「刻む」戦略?ジョビー、アーチャー、ベータの3強は、すでに手元資金で2000億円規模をキープ!一方、対照的なヒュンダイ傘下のスーパーナル!開発停止の噂で分かれる明暗?壁になるのはFAAの審査スピード?ボーイング777Xの遅延問題を引き合いに、2027年、2028年のロサンゼルスオリンピックが本当のターゲット?実質1位の第2位はもちろん万博!日本の空を空飛ぶクルマが舞う!ヘクサもスカイドライブもジョビーも!空の移動革命に向けた舞台に登場!驚くほどの静音性のユーリーも感動!?万博という大きな目標があったからこそ、世界に先駆けてルール整備が進んだ日本!いよいよ見えたか社会実装?…などなど。盛りだくさん第1位のニュースもお決まりのアレで、お届けします!SNSリンク ■X/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/evtolradio■eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらからhttps://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8 関連リンク:■Joby Cements Global Lead in Air Taxi Industry with Dubai Flights and Beginning of Commercial Market Readiness Workhttps://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-cements-global-lead-in-air-taxi-industry/■BETA Technologies, Inc. Prices Upsized Initial Public Offeringhttps://investors.beta.team/news-events/press-releases/detail/89/beta-technologies-inc-prices-upsized-initial-public-offering■SkyDrive and Whitesky Forge Strategic Alliance to Launch eVTOL Operations in Indonesiahttps://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/16195■ 読売新聞「空飛ぶクルマ」が万博開幕後初のデモ飛行に成功、10m上空を7分間旋回…初日は悪天候で飛べずhttps://www.yomiuri.co.jp/expo2025/20250414-OYT1T50078/■ 読売新聞「空飛ぶクルマ」の破損原因、部品が仕様と異なる素材だった…メーカーから誤って供給か https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/expo2025/20250709-OYO1T50007/■ 読売新聞「未来の大空」へひとっ飛び…映像体験リアルな振動、空飛ぶクルマステーションhttps://www.yomiuri.co.jp/expo2025/feature/20250815-OYO1T50008/■ 読売新聞万博会場を飛び立った「空飛ぶクルマ」海上を旋回…ルール整備で世界に先駆け「日本がリードしていける」https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/expo2025/20251003-OYO1T50001/
En eVTOL er et luftfartøy som tar av som et helikopter og flyr som et fly – elektrisk, stillegående og med langt færre mekaniske utfordringer enn dagens maskiner. Det åpner for raskere transport, enklere drift og muligheten til å nå pasienter som i dag ligger utenfor effektiv rekkevidde.For prehospital medisin kan dette bety en helt ny måte å organisere beredskap på, men er tjenesten klar for fremtiden?I denne episoden av Akuttjournalen snakker vi med Harald Bertin Jøsendal fra Stiftelsen Norsk Luftambulanse om hva eVitol faktisk kan bli – og hva det ikke kan bli. Vi går gjennom konkrete analyser fra både Stor-Oslo og Helgelandskysten, diskuterer pasientgevinst, geografiske forskjeller, teknologiske begrensninger og hvorfor grønn luftfart nå er en del av nasjonal transportpolitikk. Dette er en faglig, nøktern og fremtidsrettet samtale om hvordan ny luftmobilitet kan finne sin plass i norsk akuttmedisin.
In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Lester Erlston, Founder of Flight Kinetics, to explore how advanced aerodynamics could unlock the next phase of electric and hybrid-electric flight. Lester explains how the company's proprietary technology, PropWings, is designed to dramatically improve lift, range, and payload capacity for eVTOL aircraft—without requiring advances in battery chemistry. Instead, the solution focuses on smarter aerodynamics, harvesting previously wasted propeller slipstream energy to enhance performance during critical flight phases such as transition and cruise. During the conversation, Lester outlines Flight Kinetics' journey from initial invention through patent protection and toward a scalable licensing business model. The company positions itself as a future Tier 1 technology licensor, offering an airframe-neutral solution that can be integrated across multiple eVTOL platforms. The discussion dives deep into the technical challenges of designing a high-lift system that is robust, adaptable, and certifiable across diverse aircraft architectures. Lester shares how a phased validation roadmap—progressing from advanced CFD analysis to wind tunnel testing and ultimately flight testing—is being used to reduce risk and deliver the real-world data OEMs require. Looking ahead, the episode explores how improved aerodynamic efficiency can translate directly into safer operations, greater energy margins, longer routes, and stronger economics for operators.
Steve Caplin returns to Las Vegas's Consumer Electronics Show, marvelling at AI lawnmowers, air conditioners, saunas, showers and even an AI robot triceratops for the lawn, though it's rather a small one. We are promised a single-seat eVTOL for around £30,000 very soon from China, whose BYD EV car company has now overtaken Tesla for sales volume. Amazon has entered the TV business with a set resembling a framed artwork. Matthew McConaughey has trademarked himself to prevent AI cloning him. Apple is to use Google Gemini to power Siri and Nike have taken a decade to develop shoes that apparently stimulate the wearer's feet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The next phase of Boeing’s 737 Max 10 certification, Alaska Airlines’ purchase of Boeing jets, the effects of sanctions on airlines, the discontinuation of Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights, and the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines by Allegiant. Boeing 737 Max 10, courtesy Boeing. Aviation News Boeing advances 737 Max 10 into next phase of FAA flight testing Boeing's 737 Max 10 has entered the second major phase of FAA flight testing, Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). An outstanding design change for the Max 7 and Max 10 engine anti‑ice system has led to certification delays. The core issue is an engine anti-ice design that can overheat and damage the composite engine inlet structure if left on for too long in non-icing conditions. Regulators consider this an unacceptable hazard. The problem affects all Max variants, but it is being treated as a hard certification gate for the Max 7 and 10. Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier's biggest order ever Alaska Airlines is ordering 105 more Boeing 737 Max 10 jets (53 new orders, and 52 exercised options) and exercising options for five 787-10 Dreamliners. This reserves production slots for future airline expansion. Alaska Airlines expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s. How sanctions turned Iran into a refuge for the world's rarest passenger aircraft A sanctioned country like Iran can't buy new aircraft, engines, or OEM spare parts and components. Keeping the fleet flying, or just keeping a fleet, becomes difficult. Reportedly, more than half of Iran's estimated 330 commercial aircraft are grounded. The Iranian fleet is composed of old airframes and supported by scavenged aircraft, parts, engines, and avionics smuggled into the country. Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs The airline says it will stop flying deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a letter to employees, CEO Andrew Levy said, “We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy. The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.” Avelo is returning six of its Boeing 737-700 airplanes (they have 8) to focus on the more efficient 737-800 airplanes (they have 14) and said it will close bases at North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport, though it will continue to serve those cities. Avelo closes three crew bases and removes six 737-700s following recapitalisation Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy told FlightGlobal in September that the airline plans to receive its first E195-E2 in early 2027 and for deliveries to continue into 2032. It considers the incoming E-Jets well-suited for smaller, niche markets that major US carriers avoid. Allegiant to buy rival budget airline Sun Country in $1.5 billion cash and stock deal Low-cost leisure airline Allegiant announced it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal that values the stock and cash transaction at approximately $1.5 billion, including $400 million of Sun Country’s net debt. The Allegiant brand would continue, with the two carriers operating separately until obtaining a single operating certificate. See: Sun Country + Allegiant Merger FAQs Mentioned The Aircraft Carrier Midway Is San Diego's Biggest Tourist Attraction, According To Tripadvisor Aviation Masters podcast. Video version: George Braly on Lean-of-Peak, G100UL, Certification Battles, and Why Aviation Myths Die Hard https://youtu.be/0WWmSy4aNng?si=JwbjrL91fUeqD5DT Check out the LEO JetBike – a personal propeller-free eVTOL that anyone can fly LEO Flight The JetBike, courtesy LEO Flight. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Brian Coleman.
A mais nova fronteira da mobilidade está perto de ser ultrapassada. A Eve Air Mobility, subsidiária da Embraer, realizou o primeiro voo de seu modelo de aeronave, que permite a decolagem vertical de um helicóptero e o voo de cruzeiro de um avião. O eVTOL, como é chamado, deve ser usado para distâncias até 100 km e tem previsão para começar a voar em escala já em 2027. Até lá, a Eve segue com os testes finais para a certificação das aeronaves. Para falar sobre o tema, conversamos com o CFO da Eve Air Mobility, Eduardo Couto. Também compõe a mesa do Insights o head de Equity Capital Markets do Bradesco BBI, George Costa e Silva. A apresentação é da Priscila Forbes, banker do Bradesco Global Private Bank. Quem acompanha com vídeo pode conferir trechos do primeiro voo e da operação com a aeronave ao longo do papo. Confira! O conteúdo a seguir exposto pela empresa convidada não representa, necessariamente, a opinião e as práticas utilizadas pelo Bradesco. #eveairmobility #eVTOL #mobilidadeurbana #voo #embraer #revo #vector See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
空のの移動をもっと身近にしたいと思ってしまった4人のパパたち&1人のリケジョが、夜な夜なこっそり繰り広げる、eVTOL(=空飛ぶクルマ)に対する興味、好奇心、社会実装への情熱を語り合うラジオです。2025年を振り返る年末ニュース企画、新年2発目も引き続きアッキーはレンタカーの車内!ゆるふわで鋭い分析でお届けしますeVTOLの軍民連携(デュアルユース)加速!Archerが防衛系スタートアップのAndurilやPalantirと提携し、JobyもL3Harrisと共同開発を推進!ミリタリー界の大物とeVTOLメーカーのコラボ続々!軍がOKと言えば飛べる見通しの立ちやすさに、透けるTC取得の長期化?日本の陸上自衛隊がElroy Airの大型貨物ドローンを検討?日本の防衛にもeVTOLの影!でも本当に軍のミッションに合うの?バーティポートに専用ターミナル!インフラ投資も着々!型式証明を待たずして、地上インフラが世界中で具現化!国内でも静岡・御殿場のアウトレットや、大阪・関西万博会場でのバーティポート整備が進む!驚きのドバイ!Jobyの商用運航に向けて、空港隣接の専用ターミナルがすでに60%も完成!爆速!片側5車線でも2時間半かかる交通地獄?20億円の家が並ぶ金銭感覚?ドバイがeVTOLに賭ける理由!などなど。eVTOLが、ついに実利とインフラのフェーズへ突入したニュースを取り上げます!SNSリンク ■X/Twitter https://twitter.com/evtolradio■eVTOLラジオへのメッセージはこちらから https://forms.gle/mib37UcseFvpzyGa8 関連リンク:■Archer & Anduril & Palantir: Defense Ecosystem Integrationhttps://investors.archer.com/news/news-details/2025/Archer-and-Palantir-to-Build-the-AI-Foundation-for-the-Future-of-Next-Gen-Aviation-Technologies/default.aspx■Joby & L3Harris: Military eVTOL Developmenthttps://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-lhx-collaboration/■Elroy Air: Cargo VTOL for JGSDF Evaluationhttps://www.google.com/search?q=https://elroyair.com/news■Mitsubishi-led consortium selected for vertiport automation programme in Tokyohttps://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/vertiports/mitsubishi-led-consortium-selected-for-vertiport-automation-programme-in-tokyo/■Skydrive Newshttps://skydrive2020.com/archives/62353■X Joby Investor Watchhttps://x.com/JobyWatchDog/status/1998561383005433949?s=20
In our podcast series Flight Deck, we discuss topics across aerospace, airlines, defense, and next-gen aviation tech. For this episode, Xin Gou, editor-in-chief of Flying China magazine, joins us. Notably, we take a closer look at the history of eVTOL industry in China, supply chain, major players, regulation and certification process.
The Chinese EV industry is facing a transformation crisis that goes far beyond any single company. In 2025, automotive executives changed positions every two days on average. Between October and December alone, 327 high-level positions changed hands. This isn't normal industry turnover—this is a sector under unprecedented pressure.Today I'm stepping back from my recent NIO-specific criticism to show you the bigger picture. Because what's happening to NIO isn't unique. The entire Chinese automotive industry is hemorrhaging talent, shrinking profit margins, and scrambling to find second growth curves before the ground game becomes unsustainable.According to Zhaopin's 2025 robotics industry report, job postings in robotics grew 6% in early 2025, but job applications grew 32%—a 5-to-1 ratio showing massive talent flight from other industries. For humanoid robotics specifically, the numbers are staggering: job postings up 409% year-over-year, applications up 396%. Where are these people coming from? The automotive industry.One former automaker employee said working at a car company for two years feels like four years anywhere else. Mandatory Saturday overtime and questionable Sunday rest have become the norm. But it's not just about work-life balance—it's about economics. According to China Passenger Car Association data, the auto industry's sales profit margin hit 3.9% in October 2025, a five-year low. For the first ten months of 2025, the industry averaged just 4.4% margins. That's barely above break-even when factoring in R&D costs.Meanwhile, XPeng just made a major move that signals where this industry is heading. On January 12th, Bloomberg reported that XPeng Huitian, their flying car division, hired JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley to prepare for a Hong Kong IPO this year. This comes just two months after their first mass-produced flying car rolled off the assembly line in November 2025.Why rush to IPO before even securing final airworthiness certification from China's Civil Aviation Administration? Because the ground game is brutal, and companies need capital to fund their second growth curves. Morgan Stanley predicts explosive growth in the flying car industry over the next 20 years. Chinese research estimates the global eVTOL market will reach 9.5 billion yuan by 2026 and potentially exceed a trillion yuan by 2030.But here's what makes XPeng's strategy different from NIO's approach: they're spinning out the flying car division as a separate entity with separate management, capital structure, and timeline. This is smarter than trying to run multiple disparate businesses under one corporate umbrella—which is exactly what I criticized NIO for doing with phones, wine, fashion, and robotics initiatives.However, this also reveals how desperate the situation has become. If you're a major EV company and you're not actively developing a second revenue stream, your survival odds for the next five years are questionable.So where does NIO fit into all this? They're actually executing a similar playbook with their three-brand strategy: NIO for premium, Onvo for mass market, Firefly for urban compact. They're scaling battery swap infrastructure to over 3,600 stations. They're expanding into lower-tier cities with 210 new multi-brand stores. They're focusing Phase 3 on operational efficiency rather than scattered side projects.The question isn't whether NIO is doing the right things—it's whether they're executing fast enough in an industry where everyone is under pressure. This isn't a NIO problem. BYD's margins are shrinking. XPeng is betting on flying cars. Li Auto missed pure EV targets. Xiaomi faces quality issues after rapid scaling. This is an industry-wide transformation.
In this episode, Marilyn Pearson sits down with Dr. Tracy Lamb, a globally respected aviation and aerospace safety leader, international airline pilot, and human factors expert with more than 20 years of experience across commercial aviation, advanced aerospace programs, and emerging technologies. Dr. Lamb shares deep insights into the rapidly evolving world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), unpacking how global regulators, standards bodies, and industry leaders are working to harmonize certification, operations, and safety frameworks for eVTOL aircraft. Drawing on her experience with ICAO, RTCA, and international regulators, she explains why regulatory harmonization is complex, why timelines often shift, and how differences in culture, operations, and organizational maturity impact entry into service. The conversation explores some of the most critical challenges facing AAM today, including latent safety hazards, organizational readiness, pilot training, automation, and the human factors that don't always show up in early flight testing. Dr. Lamb introduces listeners to the concept of the “safety continuum,” resilience engineering, and Safety-II thinking—highlighting why designing systems to fail safely and adapt under stress is essential as AAM scales toward passenger operations.
On today's all-consuming episode of Quick Charge, we've got some quick takes from the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show! One of the largest tech and mobility trade shows on the planet, CES has already seen advanced AI, a drone you can ride, advanced AI, and more! We've also got an all-new SUV from the Sony/Honda partnership, Afeela, sales numbers from Chevy, Genesis, and Lucid, and even an "extended range RV" backed by the home power experts at Anker. You can find out more in the source links, below, then let us know what you think in the comments. Featured image via CES. Source Links Best of CES 2026: All of the weird, wild, and wonderful reveals from the biggest show in tech Honda and Sony will deliver their first EV in 2026, but this SUV may be an even bigger hit Nvidia unveils open-source AI for autonomous driving, ships in Mercedes-Benz CLA in Q1 2026 Check out the LEO JetBike – a personal propeller-free eVTOL that anyone can fly Anker-backed RV startup thinks you'll love their “extended-range” camper Chinese auto giant Geely to announce entry into US EV market within 2-3 years Tesla's full 2025 data from Europe is in, and it is a total bloodbath GM sold more than twice as many EVs in the US as Ford in 2025 Genesis outsold Infiniti in the US in 2025, now it's closing in on Lincoln and Acura Lucid (LCID) beats the odds after Q4 production surges more than 100% Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. New episodes of Quick Charge are supposed to be recorded several times per week (most weeks, anyway). We'll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don't miss a minute of Electrek's high-voltage podcast series. Got news? Let us know!Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show. If you're considering going solar, it's always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it's free to use, and you won't get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you'll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
In this in-depth episode, Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, joins host Jason Pritchard to discuss one of the industry's most compelling hybrid-eVTOL programs: the Cavorite X7. A former CF-18 fighter pilot and experienced aerospace innovator, Brandon offers a rare combination of technical clarity and operational insight. He begins by unpacking Horizon's recent full-wing transition flight milestone with its large-scale X7 demonstrator — an achievement he describes as “beautifully boring,” meaning exceptionally safe and predictable. He explains why Horizon's simple, retractable ducted-fan architecture avoids the complexity and risk of tilt-rotor and tilt-wing designs, offering a robust platform built for real-world operations. The conversation dives into the hybrid-electric powertrain at the heart of the X7. Brandon details why pure-electric solutions fall short for long-range missions, and how the X7's turbine-battery hybrid enables four times the range, twice the speed of comparable eVTOLs, self-charging capability, and all-weather operation — including anti-icing and IFR flight, a major differentiator in the market. Safety and reliability take centre stage as Brandon outlines the aircraft's deep redundancy, from isolated ducted fans to durable electric motors that dramatically reduce maintenance. The result: up to 75 per cent lower operating cost per mile compared to helicopters, while flying twice as fast. Looking ahead, Robinson shares an encouraging update on Horizon's certification roadmap, the clarity gained from mature regulatory frameworks, and the company's collaboration with Cert Center Canada. He also offers an honest assessment of industry-wide technical and regulatory risks, and why many competitors are now quietly shifting toward hybrid architectures.
We discuss the latest shopping data after Black Friday and then dive into the eVTOL industry. What are they? Who do you need to know? And how will these companies make money? Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren discuss: - Retail sales - What is an eVTOL? - How eVTOLs plan to make money - Our favorite eVTOL stocks Companies discussed: Joby Aviation (JOBY), Archer Aviation (ACHR), Eve Holding (EVEX), Beta Technologies (BETA). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Rachel Warren Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We're committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Adam Bry is the Co-Founder and CEO of Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight technology, founded in 2014 to develop AI-powered drones for consumer, enterprise, and defense applications. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in aerospace engineering, Bry was an early team member at Google X's Project Wing, contributing to delivery drone initiatives before launching Skydio. Under his leadership, Skydio achieved unicorn status in 2021 with a $1 billion valuation after a $170 million Series D round and has since grown to a multi-billion-dollar company, securing contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and international partners for autonomous systems like the Skydio X10 drone. Bry has testified before Congress on U.S. drone policy and national security, emphasizing innovation in aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies. He advocates for American leadership in the next century of aviation, ethical AI in drones, and bridging public-private partnerships to advance critical infrastructure and defense capabilities. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://RocketMoney.com/SRS Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/SRS today. https://lumen.me/SRS Head to https://lumen.me/SRS for 15% off your purchase. https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://trueclassic.com/SRS Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/SRS! #trueclassicpod https://helixsleep.com/srs Go to https://helixsleep.com/srs for 27% Off Sitewide Make sure you enter our show name into the post-purchase survey so they know we sent you! Adam Bry Links: X - https://x.com/adampbry LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambry Skydio - https://www.skydio.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Jason Pritchard speaks with Javier Espuch, Chief Business Development Officer at Emberion, a pioneer in safety-critical avionics and autopilot systems for UAVs and eVTOL aircraft. Javier shares the company's 18-year journey, from its early focus on miniaturised drone flight-control systems to becoming a leading technology provider for advanced air mobility platforms. Javier explains how Embention's flagship Veronte Autopilot has evolved through strict adherence to aviation-grade standards such as DO-178 and DO-254, giving manufacturers a certifiable, highly reliable flight-control solution adaptable to nearly any aircraft configuration. He highlights the system's key differentiators: miniaturisation, flexibility, and a model-based design environment that allows OEMs to customise control strategies for unique airframe architectures—from coaxial helicopters to tail-sitters and hybrid VTOLs. The discussion dives into the company's work toward TSO certification, the challenges of the still-emerging regulatory framework for autonomous systems, and the importance of achieving a certifiable detect-and-avoid capability, one of the biggest remaining hurdles for commercial eVTOL operations. Javier also outlines Emberion's expanding ecosystem, including upcoming inceptor controls and onboard cockpit displays, aimed at offering a complete avionics suite for AAM manufacturers. On industry trends, Javier shares his optimism about the diversity of vehicle concepts entering the market and stresses the importance of international collaboration, close OEM partnerships, and continued regulatory progress. Looking ahead, he sees the next 3–5 years as pivotal, with certification maturity and component standardisation unlocking meaningful commercial operations worldwide. He closes by reflecting on the excitement of helping early-stage innovators grow into mature aviation companies, one of the most rewarding parts of working in this transformative sector.
On this TCAF Tuesday, Josh sits down with Charles Lemonides, founder of ValueWorks, to discuss the future of flight and how soon we might see flying cars taking to the skies. Charles makes the case for Joby and dives deep into why he thinks it stands above the rest in the eVTOL space. Then at 35:26 hear an all-new episode of What Are Your Thoughts with special guest Ed Yardeni joining Downtown Josh Brown and Michael Batnick! This episode is sponsored by Betterment Advisor Solutions. Grow your RIA, your way by visiting: https://Betterment.com/advisors Sign up for The Compound Newsletter and never miss out! Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecompoundnews Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecompoundnews LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-compound-media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecompoundnews Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Josh Brown are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here: https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Archer Aviation (ACHR) agreed with Saudi Arabian PIF-backed The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to build and test electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in the country. While the stock didn't react to the headline, George Tsilis explains how it sets a new landing pad for Archer's growth story. He compares the company with Joby Aviation (JOBY) and shares where he sees the two in the eVTOL race. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
18 Nov 2025. Broadcasting live from the Dubai Airshow 2025, we break down the biggest headline of the week: Emirates has ordered 65 Boeing 777s, along with 130 GE engines, in a deal worth around 38 billion dollars. We speak to Boeing’s VP of Commercial Marketing about what this means for the airline and the future of long-haul travel. Plus, Riyadh Air is pushing ahead despite Boeing delays. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to CEO Tony Douglas for the inside track. And Dubai’s flying taxis take a major leap toward reality. Georgia also sits down with Joby Aviation after completing the first crewed eVTOL flight between two UAE locations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14 Nov 2025. Dubai Chambers is heading to the US, opening its first American office in New York, an announcement made at the Dubai Business Forum. Executive reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori about what this means for global trade ties. Plus, with the Dubai Airshow just days away, we check in with DXB Airport CEO Paul Griffiths on what to expect. And Parsons has secured a 56-million-dollar contract for Phase 2 of the Diriyah development, we hear what’s next for one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest giga-projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Dr. Di Pietro—an aerospace engineer and innovator with nearly two decades of global experience—shares how his early fascination with flight and a career spanning defense, automotive, and autonomous vehicle technologies led him to the forefront of advanced air mobility. He discusses AMSL Aero's mission to build Vertia, a hydrogen-electric tilt-wing eVTOL designed to connect Australia's far-flung regions while dramatically cutting aviation emissions. Unlike most eVTOL developers focused on urban air taxis, AMSL's emphasis is on long-range, zero-emission regional flight—addressing Australia's unique geography and the essential role aviation plays in delivering healthcare, freight, and connectivity to remote areas. The conversation explores how hydrogen power unlocks range and efficiency, AMSL's roadmap toward type certification and a 2030 commercial launch, and the company's collaboration with international partners and the Australian government to develop the hydrogen ecosystem.
Forrige uke fikk vi ikke til å spille inn episode, med Christian på Island og Espen opptatt, men vi er sterkere tilbake denne uken og spiller inn mandag 10. november. Vi ser på de siste ukers Avinortall, Finnair sliter på Atlanteren, WizzAir tester "business class", ANA legger ned lavprisselskap og Qantas kan ikke telle... Velkommen ombord på flight 362.Caudron C.362AKTUELT:Finnair sliter på Atlanteren og skal lease A330 til QantasAvinor trafikktall (uke 43 og uke 44)ANA legger ned AirJapanThai øker 787-ordren til 80 flyWizz Air tester "business class"Qantas' A321XLR med én do for lite ...... og får Premium EconomySora Aviation skal lage helelektrisk 30-seters eVTOL
If you still think hydrogen was the cause of the Hindenburg disaster, allow Danielle McLean, Founder and Executive Director of HYSKY Society, to debunk that myth for you. What first began as a hydrogen-powered eVTOL startup quickly revealed a bigger challenge for the aerospace engineer: the need for scalable, affordable clean hydrogen. In response, Danielle united engineers, entrepreneurs, and energy experts to form HYSKY Society — a global nonprofit advancing hydrogen aviation through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Listen in as Danielle busts myths about the Hindenburg disaster, explains why regional airports could be the launchpad for hydrogen-powered planes, and details what it will take for hydrogen to go mainstream by 2045. You'll also get a sneak peek at FLYING HY, the world's largest hydrogen aviation event, and learn why “I want my hydrogen” just might be the future slogan of the aviation. We'd love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don't forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today — a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.
In this episode, we sit down with Durojaiye Phillips, a patent inventor, product strategist, and one of Africa's leading voices for Advanced Air Mobility. Durojaiye is the founder and CEO of Titan Air Mobility, a company with a bold vision; to build what he calls 'railways in the sky.' From building his first RC airplane at just eight years old to developing hybrid jet engines in his teens, Durojaiye's mission is to bridge Africa's transport and logistics gaps using electric and eVTOL aircraft. In the conversation, he explains how Titan Air Mobility is tackling some of Africa's biggest challenges — from poor road infrastructure to limited rural connectivity — by developing cargo-first aircraft that can carry up to 300 kilograms across 300 kilometers. He also talks about designing modular cargo pods that make it easier to move goods seamlessly from air to ground transport. Durojaiye adds his perspective on Africa's readiness for innovation. Unlike many Western countries still navigating complex regulations, he says African regulators are open and eager to collaborate, making the continent one of the most promising testbeds for advanced air mobility.
In this episode, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian breaks down what truly differentiates a great airline: people and culture. Ed shares why “take care of your people first” isn't a slogan (it's Delta's operating system!) and how that shows up in reliability, premium customer experience, and everyday leadership. We get a candid look at running a 100,000-person, 5,000-flights-a-day operation; the metrics he checks first (on-time arrivals and cash); and why accessibility and listening are his non-negotiables as a leader.We also dive into Delta's broader vision: a connected, premium travel ecosystem that spans free fast Wi-Fi and new entertainment partnerships to deeper integrations with Uber, Wheels Up and, soon, eVTOL links with Joby. Ed frames AI as “augmented intelligence” that empowers frontline teams, outlines how Delta thinks about fortress balance sheets and long-cycle bets, and makes the case that air travel isn't a commodity but an experience people will choose and pay for. Founders will appreciate his clear wishlist of problems to solve in ops efficiency, maintenance, and crew utilization, and his invitation to bring real solutions, not just ideas.
In this episode, Dr. Satya shares the company's mission to transform urban mobility through one of the world's most compact eVTOL aircraft, designed to ease congestion and reduce emissions in densely populated cities. The ePlane Company is the first private Indian firm to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the DGCA for an electric aircraft — a key milestone toward certification and commercialization. The discussion explores the company's lift-plus-cruise configuration, chosen for safety, redundancy, and certification efficiency over tilt-rotor designs. Satya details progress on the first full-scale prototype, expected to begin flight testing in late 2025, with certification targeted for mid-2027. The roadmap includes air ambulance, air taxi, and cargo variants, with operations planned to start in India before expanding internationally. Chakravarthy also highlights India's proactive regulatory environment, including close collaboration with the DGCA and alignment with EASA standards. He notes strong public enthusiasm for eVTOLs, citing surveys showing over 75 per cent of Indian respondents support the concept of urban air mobility.
In our podcast series Flight Deck, we discuss topics across aerospace, airlines, defense, and next-gen aviation tech. For this episode, Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero and co-founder of Uber Elevate, joins us. Notably, we take a closer look at BETA Technologies, and broader industry topics regarding defense applications, type certification, and more.
13 Oct 2025. We get analysis from market expert Sameer Lakhani on what the listing means for investors and the UAE’s tech scene. Plus, Chinese company Xpeng AeroHT has carried out the first international public flight of its eVTOL and “Land Aircraft Carrier” in Dubai. The Business Breakfast’s Georgia Tolley caught up with the company’s CFO and Vice President, Michael Chu, right after the test flight. And Amazon has launched a new scheme to recycle delivery packaging in the UAE — we speak to the company making it happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Dr. Maris shares a wealth of insight drawn from decades of experience in aircraft certification, flight testing, and aerospace innovation. The conversation explores how 3C helps emerging aerospace companies navigate the complexities of certification — from developing early-stage roadmaps to guiding OEMs through compliance and testing. Dr. Maris explains why certification isn't an end-of-project task but a continuous process, comparing it to the long and rigorous testing cycles of new pharmaceuticals. He also highlights the unique technical and regulatory hurdles facing eVTOL developers, such as the limitations of current battery technology, the evolving frameworks from EASA and the FAA, and the critical role of human factors and simulation in ensuring safety. Looking to the future, Dr. Maris predicts that eVTOL certification will become more structured and harmonized globally, with growing collaboration between regulators and innovators. He believes Canada is well positioned to play a leading role in this emerging ecosystem — particularly for regional and first responder applications. Closing the episode, Dr. Maris emphasizes the importance of clear, factual reporting to educate the wider public, regulators, and industry stakeholders about this “sea change” moment in aviation.
On this TCAF Tuesday, Josh Brown and Michael Batnick welcome Anatoly Yakovenko, CEO of Solana Labs and Co-founder of Solana to discuss the prospects for a tokenized stock market. Anatoly explains why SOL is the right answer for creating liquidity and tokenizing both privately-held and publicly-traded stocks around the world. Then at 44:28, hear an all-new episode of What Are Your Thoughts with Downtown Josh Brown and Michael Batnick! This episode is sponsored by Public. Fund your account in five minutes or less by visiting http://public.com/WAYT Sign up for The Compound Newsletter and never miss out! Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecompoundnews Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecompoundnews LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-compound-media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecompoundnews Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Josh Brown are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here: https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Chinese Scientists Announce Solid State Battery Breakthrough - Ford F-150 Hit by Fire at Aluminum Supplier - Ford and GM Gang Up on Stellantis Over Tariffs - Tesla FSD 14 Handles Point-To-Point Delivery - Spain In Uproar Over 2,000 Chinese At CATL Plant - Germany To Extend EV Subsidies - Nissan Uses Renault Tech for SUV In India - Geely VTOL Ready for Manned Testing
- Chinese Scientists Announce Solid State Battery Breakthrough - Ford F-150 Hit by Fire at Aluminum Supplier - Ford and GM Gang Up on Stellantis Over Tariffs - Tesla FSD 14 Handles Point-To-Point Delivery - Spain In Uproar Over 2,000 Chinese At CATL Plant - Germany To Extend EV Subsidies - Nissan Uses Renault Tech for SUV In India - Geely VTOL Ready for Manned Testing
In this episode, we speak with Adam Zeyn, Business Development lead for the 2025 Dubai Airshow. Adam shares how the event has rapidly evolved into one of the world's premier platforms for advanced air mobility, drones, and eVTOL technologies, and why this year promises to be the most ambitious yet. Hear how Dubai has positioned itself as a global leader in electric aviation, from regulatory breakthroughs and pioneering infrastructure to high-profile partnerships with industry leaders like Joby, Archer and Skyports. Adam also reveals the show's expanded AAM Pavilion, immersive demonstrations, sustainability initiatives and networking opportunities designed to connect innovators, investors and policymakers on a global stage. With themes like “The Future is Here”, Dubai Airshow 2025 will spotlight cutting-edge developments in urban air mobility, sustainable aviation, commercial space, and next-gen workforce development. From spectacular flying displays and drone shows to exclusive networking events and live entertainment, it's an unmissable event shaping the future of flight. Discover why Dubai is at the forefront of aviation innovation and why Adam describes the 2025 Airshow in three words: “Transformative, Unmissable, Fire.”
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1141: Tesla drops a philosophy-heavy master plan that barely mentions EVs. Palmer Luckey becomes the first to fly the Jetson One eVTOL. And McKinsey pushes back on AI job fears with a boost in entry-level hiring.Tesla's “Master Plan Part IV” is here, and it might just be the most philosophical of the bunch. With barely a mention of actual cars, the company appears to be pivoting hard toward artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and an ambitious goal they call “sustainable abundance.”The document positions Tesla as a leader in building tools that "bring AI into the physical world."The original "Master Plans" outlined clear goals: launch EVs, scale production, and push solar. Fewer than 200 words of Part IV reference Tesla's current or future products, with humanoid robot Optimus taking center stage.The plan leans heavily into themes like "Growth is infinite" and "Innovation removes constraints" instead of product roadmaps.Electric vehicles are only mentioned in the context of the past; the future is autonomy, labor automation, and AI computing.Musk has said Tesla's humanoid robots will account for “~80% of Tesla's long-term value.”Tech founder Palmer Luckey just became the first customer to take delivery of the Jetson One — a personal electric aircraft that doesn't even require a pilot's license. And yes, he took it for a spin.The Oculus and Anduril founder lifted off in Carlsbad, CA after just 50 minutes of training.Jetson One is a $128,000 single-seat eVTOL with 20-minute flight time and 63 mph top speed.Luckey's flight kicks off Jetson's official global rollout; 2025 and 2026 models are already sold out.Jetson's CTO says their goal is to “move ground-based transportation up to the air.”At a time when many fear AI will make junior roles obsolete, McKinsey is leaning in the opposite direction. The firm announced it plans to grow North American hiring by 12% in 2026, with a focus on entry-level talent — especially those fluent in emerging tech.McKinsey currently employs 5,000–7,000 non-partners in North America and could grow that number by up to 20% in five years.North America chair Eric Kutcher values younger workers' fluency in tech: “The 20-year-old econ major… is way more in tune.”Kutcher emphasized that while AI may improve efficiency, it frees up teams to pursue growth initiatives — not layoffs.Many CEOs aren't excited by cost-cutting; they're eager to redirect resources toward new opportunities, he noted.“What we will work on will still require the same level of intellect… doing the things that you can't do with machines,” said Kutcher.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/