Brazilian Aeronautics Industry Company (Embraer) subsidiary Eve Air Mobility announced that their flying car prototype completed its first flight this Friday, the 19th.

According to G1 reports, the inaugural flight took place on Friday morning at the Embraer factory in Gavião Peixoto, an inland location in the state of São Paulo, which boasts the longest runway in the Southern Hemisphere.

Eve stated that this first flight marks the entry of the flying car into the flight testing phase. Before official operation, the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) still needs certification from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

During the prototype's flight, the engineering team validated the system integration of eight propellers, assessed the energy management system, and monitored the flight noise levels. Eve mentioned that the overall performance of the prototype met expectations.

The company plans to manufacture six prototypes for testing, and after completing hover flights this Friday, will continue with multiple flight tests to gradually expand the flight envelope, aiming for full unrestricted flight by 2026.

These eVTOLs, commonly referred to as "flying cars" by the public, are currently being produced at the factory in Taubaté, São Paulo, with an annual production capacity of up to 480 units. These models are still in the testing phase and are expected to enter operation by 2027.

This model can carry five people (4 passengers and 1 pilot), with a maximum range of approximately 100 kilometers, suitable for short urban trips, such as connections between cities or business centers. Presently, orders for this flying car have reached close to 3,000 units.

Eve plans to start deliveries of eVTOLs in 2027 and commence commercial operation of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The company predicts that by 2045, the global eVTOL fleet could reach 30,000 units, transporting over 3 billion passengers cumulatively. Additionally, eVTOL operations and sales are expected to generate $280 billion in revenue during this period.

Earlier this month, Eve secured a loan of 200 million Brazilian reais from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), which will be utilized for the development work during the electric engine integration phase and certification tests for the prototype, in preparation for applying for eVTOL airworthiness certification from the civil aviation authority.