By Mina Maher 
Ascendance Flight Technologies, a French-based startup, unveiled its Atea electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2021. With plans to begin testing in 2023, followed by production in 2025, the company has been making steady progress towards its goal of delivering a sustainable aircraft that can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Critical Funding Secured
To bring Atea to market, Ascendance Flight Technologies has been focusing on securing the funding required to support the project. The company has so far raised €21 million ($23 million) from various organizations across France, including French Tech Souveraineté and Habert Dassault Finance.
The funds raised will enable Ascendance to build its prototype aircraft and begin the certification process with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The CEO of Ascendance, Jean-Christophe Lambert, has stated that this funding round is critical for sustainable aviation in France and will allow the company to accelerate the technical and commercial development of its products. Investors have also expressed optimism, with the managing director of Habert Dassault Finance, Benoit Habert, impressed with the pace at which the company is growing and the commitment of its teams.
Assembling a Dream Team
With funding secured, Ascendance Flight Technologies can now focus on building the first full-scale prototype of its Atea aircraft. The company plans to attract the best talent from across the industry and recruit 50 more employees over the next 18 months to support this phase of the project.
Ascendance has recently appointed Stéphane Viala as its engineering and program director. With his experience as the former senior vice president of engineering and head of design organization at aircraft manufacturer ATR, Viala brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
The Atea eVTOL
Atea is a five-seat eVTOL aircraft designed for passenger transport, medical emergencies, logistics, and surveillance. Its use of sustainable hybrid-electric power allows the aircraft to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to a traditional helicopter.
With a range of up to 250 miles, Atea’s unique fan-in-wing design, with eight rotors built into the wings, ensures a safe, clean, and quiet transport solution. At the time of the aircraft’s unveiling, Lambert set out Ascendance’s mission to accelerate the transition towards green aviation with hybrid technology.
Ascendance Flight Technologies’ Roadmap to Delivering the Atea eVTOL
Ascendance Flight Technologies plans to deliver its first Atea aircraft in 2026. The company’s focus is currently on building the first prototype aircraft, which will undoubtedly attract widespread attention when it takes to the skies.
As Atea enters the testing phase in 2023, the company will continue to refine its hybrid-electric technology and seek further funding to support the project’s development. With 245 letters of intent from customers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, there is a clear demand for sustainable aircraft solutions.
Ascendance Flight Technologies’ Atea eVTOL aircraft represents an exciting development in sustainable aviation. With its hybrid-electric power, unique fan-in-wing design, and range of up to 250 miles, Atea has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about air transport.
With funding secured and plans to build the first prototype aircraft underway, Ascendance is on track to deliver its first Atea aircraft in 2026. As the company continues to develop its hybrid-electric technology and attract top talent to its team, Atea is sure to capture the attention of the aviation industry and customers worldwide.
Also, you might be interested in reading: VTOL – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the FutureVtol – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the Future
Sources:
- Source: Simple Flying
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Salma Ali