Eve Air Mobility CCO Megha Bhatia on what sets its eVTOL apartRunway Girl

There is tremendous momentum behind Eve Air Mobility’s 100% electric eVTOL — at a time when a number of other eVTOL projects have failed to launch. The Embraer-founded company’s dedication to accelerating the urban air mobility ecosystem is just part of what sets it apart, as we learned in an interview with Megha Bhatia, chief commercial officer (CCO) at Eve Air Mobility.

“Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOL stands out due to its lift+cruise configuration with multiple fixed-pitch rotors, which enhances safety, redundancy, and operational robustness, especially in complex urban environments,” Bhatia explains.

“The design prioritizes simplicity and reliability, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance needs. The simpler design also enables better economics for our customers, due to lower associated maintenance costs and a higher frequency of trips completed. We also benefit from Embraer’s deep aerospace heritage, leveraging decades of certification and manufacturing expertise.”

Eve eVTOL prototype on display outside a hangar at Embraer's test facility in Brazil.

Eve revealed its first eVTOL prototype in 2024. Image: Eve Air Mobility

“Eve isn’t in the race to be first,” she continues. “Instead, it’s focused on methodical testing and certification, with the philosophy of ‘certify to fly, not fly to certify,’ ensuring long-term operational success.”

Megha Bhatia, Eve Air Mobility chief commercial officer is pictured

Eve Air Mobility CCO Megha Bhatia. Image: Eve Air Mobility

RGN: In terms of passenger experience, are you pleased with the interior developments thus far? Diehl is spearheading the cabin interiors work, and Recaro is developing seats. Can Eve share some details about how its vision for “an innovative and comfortable” cabin is being realized for passengers? Is Eve planning to use any sustainable materials in the cabin? Any early learnings from your collaborations with Diehl and Recaro?

Megha Bhatia: Eve’s cabin, developed in collaboration with Diehl and Recaro, features a full-flex interior that is quickly configurable between a four-passenger layout and a cargo configuration; customers will be able to switch configuration in just a couple of hours. This adaptability has resonated with our customers, enhancing both passenger comfort and operational efficiency

Key highlights include:

Lightweight, ergonomic seating from Recaro to support energy-efficient operations.
Use of sustainable materials is being explored, aligning with Eve’s broader environmental goals.
The cabin design emphasizes accessibility, comfort, and intuitive use, with early learnings from Diehl and Recaro helping refine ergonomics and modularity.

RGN: Does Eve see an opportunity to bring inflight connectivity to its eVTOLs (for passengers)? Is it in talks with any IFC suppliers?

Megha Bhatia: Eve currently does not have any IFC providers. The majority of our flights are expected to last between 7 and 20 minutes, depending on the route. If and when the company decides to explore IFC for its eVTOL, given the short duration of typical urban air mobility flights, the focus is likely to be on lightweight, low-latency solutions that enhance passenger experience without compromising performance or weight.

Woman sits on Recaro's seat for the Eve eVTOL

RGN got the chance to try Recaro’s seat for the Eve eVTOL at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

RGN: Is Eve contemplating a wheelchair tie-down as a possible configuration for the cabin? The Eve eVTOL is billed as being accessible (capable of carrying a foldable wheelchair). But if a disabled passenger wants to stay in their own mobility device, might that be possible?

Megha Bhatia: Our eVTOL is designed to be accessible, including the ability to carry foldable wheelchairs. The company is also evaluating the feasibility of a wheelchair tie-down configuration, which would allow passengers to remain in their mobility devices during flight. At Eve, we’re committed to universal design and inclusive mobility.