The eVTOL Insights Podcast

Hosted by The eVTOL Insights Podcast

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235

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Aug 2026

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About the show

eVTOL Insights is a leading source of news, information and analysis into the global electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility markets. Since our launch in April 2020, we’ve been covering the latest industry news and offering insight for leading executives in the manned and unmanned market, across both passenger and cargo-carrying services. Our in-depth podcasts aim to cover a range of different topics, from eVTOL OEMs updates, certification, landing infrastructure, battery developments and regulations. Head to evtolinsights.com, where you can read the latest stories and features, watch short industry videos and sign up to our newsletter, WhatsApp and Signal channels.

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September 10, 202622 min

Episode 231: Jerome Tourdiat, SVP One Solutions Ops Europe and Global Governance, Schneider Electric

What will it take to power the next generation of aviation? In this episode, Jason Pritchard speaks with Jerome Tourdiat of Schneider Electric about the energy infrastructure needed to turn Advanced Air Mobility ambitions into scalable commercial operations. Drawing on the company’s experience supporting airports and critical infrastructure, Jerome explores why vertiports must become intelligent energy hubs. He discusses how microgrids, battery storage and smart charging can help manage peak demand, strengthen resilience and control costs. The conversation also examines the role of data and digital technologies in coordinating operations, alongside the importance of designing infrastructure that can grow with demand. With grid connections, permitting and competition for electricity potentially creating bottlenecks, Jerome explains why energy planning needs to start early. Listen to discover why the foundations of electric flight extend beyond the aircraft, and how closer collaboration could help unlock the industry’s commercial potential.

August 27, 202619 min

Episode 230: Doug Washburn, VP of Engineering and Flight Safety, Hartzell Propeller

In this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaks with Doug Washburn, Vice President of Engineering and Flight Safety at Hartzell Propeller. Doug highlights how Hartzell’s century of aviation heritage—specifically its certification expertise and high-volume production capacity—supports the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL sectors. The conversation focuses on complex engineering challenges, such as transition loading, extreme weight sensitivity, and noise reduction. Doug notes that minimizing noise relies heavily on larger propeller diameters rotating at slower tip speeds, alongside advanced blade geometries. He emphasizes the critical need for early collaboration between propeller manufacturers, electric motor developers, and aircraft OEMs to optimize overall system efficiency and packaging. Doug also discusses regulatory progress, digital engineering, and Hartzell's work with partners like Beta Technologies. He identifies infrastructure, airspace management, and public acceptance as key hurdles for the industry over the next five years.

August 20, 202624 min

Episode 229: Mohamed Ben Tahar, Director of Automotive & IoT, Trimble

In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Mohamed Ben Tahar, Director for Automotive and IoT at Trimble, to explore the technology and infrastructure needed to make Advanced Air Mobility commercially viable. Mohamed explains why precise and reliable positioning will be critical as the industry moves from demonstration flights towards scaled autonomous operations. He discusses Trimble’s work in GNSS, sensor fusion and space-delivered infrastructure, as well as the challenges posed by vertical positioning, connectivity and 5G coverage. The conversation also explores lessons from automotive, construction and mining, the importance of data interoperability, digital twins and real-time mapping, and how AI could transform air traffic management. Mohamed highlights emerging opportunities in North America and Canada, before looking ahead to routine autonomous cargo and medical flights. He concludes by sharing his vision for AAM to connect rural communities and satellite hospitals through zero-emission, three-dimensional flight networks.

August 13, 202632 min

Episode 228: Glenn Piper, Director of Global Product Management, WireMasters

In this episode, eVTOL Insights' Jason Pritchard is joined by Glenn to explore the increasingly critical role of wiring and electrical architecture in Advanced Air Mobility. Glenn discusses how the industry has moved beyond prototype development towards certification, repeatable production and long-term reliability, highlighting the challenges associated with high-voltage systems, partial discharge, EMI, thermal management and fault containment. He explains why electrical architecture must be considered from the earliest stages of aircraft development and examines the manufacturing and supply chain challenges that emerge as programmes transition towards production. The conversation also explores lessons AAM can take from commercial and defence aviation, recent progress towards certification, and emerging technologies including intelligent power distribution, embedded diagnostics and actively cooled conductors. Glenn also shares his vision for what the industry could achieve by 2031 and the role suppliers such as WireMasters can play in supporting reliable, certifiable aircraft at fleet scale.

August 6, 202628 min

Episode 227: Craig Foster, Co-Founder and Senior Research Consultant, Valour Consultancy

The latest episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast welcomes Craig Foster, Co-founder and Senior Research Consultant at Valor Consultancy, to discuss the commercial realities shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Drawing on Valor's latest research into both the electric air taxi and commercial drone markets, Foster explores why the industry is entering a new phase where commercial viability is becoming just as important as technological innovation. Throughout the conversation, Foster examines the assumptions that fuelled the sector's early growth, including expectations around battery technology, operating costs and certification timelines. He explains why metrics such as Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM) are critical to understanding whether passenger eVTOL services can become profitable, while highlighting the challenges posed by battery replacement costs, infrastructure investment, landing fees and pilot availability. The discussion also looks beyond passenger aircraft, identifying defence, cargo operations and regional air mobility as potentially stronger near-term business opportunities. Foster argues that the commercial drone industry provides valuable lessons for AAM by demonstrating that long-term success depends on solving real operational problems rather than simply introducing new technology.

July 30, 202627 min

Episode 226: Jennifer Trock, Partner at Morgan Lewis

In this episode, Jason is joined by Jennifer Trock, trusted advisor at Morgan Lewis, to explore the legal, regulatory and commercial realities shaping one of aviation's most exciting emerging sectors. As the industry moves closer to commercial operations, Jennifer explains why certification is only the beginning. The conversation examines the importance of regulatory harmonisation, vertiport infrastructure, public trust and airspace integration, while also discussing how AI, autonomy and evolving policy frameworks will influence the pace of adoption. Drawing on her experience advising aerospace, aviation and transportation clients around the world, Jennifer also shares why adaptability will be one of the defining characteristics of successful AAM companies, and how shifting geopolitical and regulatory environments are already influencing where commercial opportunities emerge. With the next 12 to 36 months expected to be pivotal for the sector, this episode offers valuable insights into the milestones, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

July 23, 202625 min

Episode 224: Paulo Venancio, Aerospace Chief Engineer, Expleo

In this episode, Paulo discuss the engineering realities of bringing advanced air mobility from flight testing to commercial operations. He argues that certification remains the industry's defining milestone, with successful flight test campaigns providing regulators the confidence needed to approve new aircraft. Paolo explains how startups must build industrialisation, supply chains, airworthiness capabilities and long-term support structures alongside aircraft development, rather than after certification. He also highlights the growing role of digital engineering, digital twins and AI-driven modelling in reducing development time while maintaining the rigorous safety standards expected in aerospace. Drawing on Explio's experience supporting several leading eVTOL manufacturers, he outlines how combining traditional aerospace expertise with emerging technologies can accelerate development without compromising certification.

July 16, 202623 min

Episode 223: J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio

Ohio is positioning itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) by building on its rich aerospace heritage, manufacturing expertise, and collaborative innovation ecosystem. In this episode, JobsOhio President and CEO JP Nauseef explains how the state offers a unique end-to-end environment where companies can design, test, certify, manufacture, and scale eVTOL aircraft within a single region. He highlights key assets including the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), FAA-approved test airspace, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and a network of more than 640 aerospace companies. The discussion also explores Ohio's investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, including a $300 million experiential learning initiative to train future technicians. Looking ahead, Nauseef outlines how supportive policies, commercial deployment, and continued collaboration will help Ohio attract global investment while creating high-value jobs and shaping the future of aviation.

July 9, 202635 min

Episode 222: Mark Duchesne, Head of Manufacturing at REGENT

In this episode with Mark, we explore what it takes to transform a revolutionary transport concept into a scalable manufacturing operation. Drawing on leadership experience at Toyota, Tesla, Northvolt and Byton, Mark shares lessons on building flexible production systems, developing resilient supply chains, and embedding quality from day one. He discusses Regent's progress towards commercial sea glider production, the company's new Rhode Island manufacturing facility, and the unique challenge of combining aerospace, automotive and marine manufacturing practices. The conversation also examines automation, workforce development, AI's emerging role in manufacturing, and the importance of designing products with production in mind from the outset. Whether you're interested in advanced air mobility, manufacturing strategy or the future of sustainable transportation, this episode offers valuable insights into bringing groundbreaking technology from prototype to commercial reality.

July 2, 202634 min

Episode 221: Lavera Alexander, Chief Growth Officer at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)

In this episode, Lavera Alexander, Chief Growth Officer and CAMC Director at the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), about California's pioneering approach to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Lavera explains how the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAMC) is connecting four public-use airports into the state's first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight network, shifting the industry's focus from proving aircraft performance to validating integrated transportation systems. She discusses why coordination between airports, utilities, regulators, communities and industry partners is just as important as technological innovation, and why public trust must be treated as critical infrastructure. The conversation also explores workforce development, community engagement, economic development and the importance of demonstrating tangible public benefits, from emergency response and healthcare access to cargo operations. Lavera shares her vision of success for AAM, where electric aircraft become an accepted, everyday part of transportation networks that genuinely improve people's lives.