Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, completed the first transition flight of its electric vertical take-off and landing prototype in São Paulo [1].
The milestone represents a shift from hover capabilities to forward flight, a technical hurdle necessary for the aircraft to operate as a viable urban transport vehicle. This progress moves the company closer to official certification for commercial use in cities.
The flight took place on May 3, 2026 [1]. While some reports focused on the conclusion of the hover-and-low-speed phase, the company's transition flight marks a distinct advancement in the prototype's flight envelope [1], [2]. The announcement of this completed phase was made public on May 21, 2026 [2].
To reach this stage, the company performed 59 test flights to calibrate the aircraft's systems [3]. These tests were conducted in São Paulo, though the subsidiary is headquartered in São José dos Campos [2].
The aircraft, often referred to as a "carro voador," is designed to operate as part of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network. These vehicles aim to reduce urban congestion by moving passenger traffic from roads to the air. The transition flight is a key requirement for proving the aircraft can safely move from a vertical lift to a horizontal wing-borne flight mode [1], [4].
Embraer is positioning the Eve subsidiary to lead the development of urban air mobility services. The company is currently focusing on the rigorous testing and certification process required by aviation authorities to ensure safety before the aircraft enters public service [4].
“The flight took place on May 3, 2026.”
The successful transition from vertical lift to forward flight is one of the most complex aerodynamic challenges in eVTOL development. By completing this phase, Eve Air Mobility has moved beyond basic stability tests and is now entering the phase of operational endurance and safety certification. This brings the prospect of commercial electric air taxis in Brazil and other global markets closer to reality, provided the aircraft meets strict regulatory safety standards.
