Embraer-backed eVTOL maker eyes certification

Zoom in: "We're talking about the same safety level that we have on the airliners," CEO Johann Bordais said in an interview describing the company's safety expectations for its aircraft, the Eve 100.

• It will take "at least" six to 10 years after certification to go pilotless, Bordais said.

• Eve completed its first "uncrewed," remotely piloted eVTOL prototype at its test facility in Brazil in December.

Follow the money: The publicly traded company has more than half a billion dollars in liquidity right now and is burning about $200 million to $250 million in cash per year, Bordais said.

• "We're fully funded for certification," he added.

State of play: 29 customers in nine countries have signed letters of intent to buy up to 2,700 aircraft.

• 100 are under contract as of today with down payments — one with Revo in São Paulo and the other one with AirX in Japan.

Manufacturing is expected to take place at a site in Brazil, with plans for annual production capacity of 120 units at the outset and an eventual expansion up to 480.

• The company will start with production of six units for certification purposes.
• "We'll fly them, we'll test them extensively, and we'll get certification in 2028," Bordais said.