A global study has found that 86 per cent of fund managers plan to invest in advanced air mobility (AAM) over the next three years.
Canadian eVTOL developer Horizon Aircraft commissioned a survey of 100 small and micro-cap fund managers across the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
100 per cent of respondents agreed that the AAM industry is “becoming an increasingly more attractive market to invest in”, according to Horizon.
Meanwhile 39 per cent of those surveyed said they will either be investing for the first time or plan to increase their current level of investment in advanced air mobility.
A further 47 per cent revealed they will maintain their current level of investment in the sector, which Horizon said is experiencing “rapid technological development” – particularly in eVTOL aircraft and battery technologies.
The company added that the industry’s attractiveness “has been underlined by Joby Aviation”, which has been bolstered recently by a $500mn investment from Toyota and a $202mn equity raise.
Horizon Aircraft CEO Brandon Robinson said: “It is clear that fund managers recognise the potential that can be realised from investing in the advanced air mobility sector.
“The market is poised for substantial growth, which is being driven by technological advancements, an increasingly clear regulatory path and the clear need to overcome environmental and sustainability challenges presented by growing urbanisation and traffic congestion.”
Horizon is developing one of the world’s first hybrid eVTOLs – the Cavorite X7 – that is able to fly most of its mission exactly like a normal aircraft while offering “industry-leading speed, range and operational utility”.
The company added that its “unique designs put the mission first” while prioritising safety, performance and utility.
The Cavorite X7 is still in the test phase – but the company said it hopes to quickly certify the model and bring it to market to develop early use cases for eVTOLs.