Electric Air Taxis on the Horizon: Reality or Fantasy
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Electric Air Taxis on the Horizon: Reality or Fantasy

The concept of electric-powered air taxis ferrying commuters over congested roads is edging closer to reality, shedding its sci-fi aura. Thanks to advancements in battery technology, electric vertical takeoffs and landings (eVTOLs) - aircraft that can mimic helicopters near the ground but function like small planes - are making strides. However, the looming question remains: is there a profitable business model in their production?

JoeBen Bevirt, a staunch advocate for this emerging industry, serves as the founder and CEO of Joby Aviation Inc. The California-based company, with Toyota as its largest shareholder (holding 11%), recently delivered its first eVTOL to the Air Force. Bevirt is resolute in his belief that Joby Aviation can achieve the ambitious goal of commencing commercial air taxi operations by 2025. Nevertheless, like many other eVTOL startups, Joby is grappling with financial losses, having reported over $400 million in deficits from 2021 to 2022. Analysts, meanwhile, remain uncertain about the timeline for profitability, if it ever materializes.

The concept of electric-powered air taxis ferrying commuters over congested roads is edging closer to reality, shedding its sci-fi aura. Thanks to advancements in battery technology, electric vertical takeoffs and landings (eVTOLs) - aircraft that can mimic helicopters near the ground but function like small planes - are making strides. However, the looming question remains: is there a profitable business model in their production?JoeBen Bevirt, a staunch advocate for this emerging industry, serves as the founder and CEO of Joby Aviation Inc. The California-based company, with Toyota as its largest shareholder (holding 11%), recently delivered its first eVTOL to the Air Force. Bevirt is resolute in his belief that Joby Aviation can achieve the ambitious goal of commencing commercial air taxi operations by 2025. Nevertheless, like many other eVTOL startups, Joby is grappling with financial losses, having reported over $400 million in deficits from 2021 to 2022. Analysts, meanwhile, remain uncertain about the timeline for profitability, if it ever materializes.

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Infrastructure Urban

Larsen & Toubro Secures Contract from Defence Ministry

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has awarded a significant contract to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supplying K9 Vajra-T Artillery Platforms to the Indian Army. As per the company's project classification, the contract is valued between Rs 50 billion and Rs 100 billion. The K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery platform, is an adaptation of the globally renowned South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It has been co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace to meet the Indian Army's specific operational needs across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and..

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Real Estate

Delhi-NCR Housing Market sees 25% Sales Growth

The Delhi-NCR property market has maintained its momentum during the December quarter, with housing sales and new supply estimated to grow by 25 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively, as reported by PropEquity. Data from the real estate analytics firm suggests that housing sales in Delhi-NCR are likely to rise to 12,915 units during the October-December period of this year, compared to 10,354 units in the corresponding period of the previous year. New supply in the region is expected to increase significantly, reaching 11,223 units, a 59 per cent rise from 7,072 units in the year-ago quarter..

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Infrastructure Urban

DDC Approves Five Key Projects Under Kasaragod Development Package

The District Development Committee (DDC) has approved a budget of Rs 100.08 million for five key projects under the Kasaragod Development Package. This funding is part of the Rs 700 million allocated in the State budget for the 2024-25 financial year, with administrative approval formally amended to incorporate these initiatives. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by District Collector K. Inbasekar on Saturday, December 21. The approved projects include Rs 40.99 million for constructing Udayapuram Thungal Road in Kottom Belur grama panchayat and Rs 20.56 million for setting up a ..

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