New research predicts that the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector is in for significant consolidation over the next few years.
There are currently around 245 companies which have developed more than one eVTOL concept, but the survey by Horizon Aircraft shows that 60% of professionals working in the sector believe this number will be smaller in five years’ time.
One in three predict there will be between 100 and 200 companies, and 20% think there will be fewer than 100. Some 7% believe there will be between 200 and 244 companies.
However, as a sign of how uncertain the market is, a significant minority - 39% - think there will be more.
There are currently around 407 eVTOL concepts (as opposed to companies) globally, but 54% believe this number will be lower by 2026, with 36% predicting there will be fewer than 300.
Horizon co-founder Brandon Robinson says: “The eVTOL market is attracting huge amounts of investment, but this will increasingly focus on those concepts and companies that have prototypes that are commercially viable. With new funds, these companies will progress dramatically leaving the others to struggle, and in many cases close down.”
Aside from this research, Horizon has also weighed in on the importance of safety. In March, the company said eVTOL passenger aircraft should have safety records equal to those in the commercial aviation sector to prevent fatalities.
The aerospace engineering company has developed the Cavorite X5, an eVTOL which it says can fly the majority of its mission exactly like a normal aircraft.
