On November 15, the sky over the SDA4 airfield on the outskirts of São José dos Campos-SP was the stage for a pioneering event that could transform the logistics scenario. The Moya eVTOL (Vertical Landing and Takeoff Vehicle), developed by Brazilian company Moya Aero, performed its first flight, marking the beginning of a flight testing phase that anticipates its entry into service in 2026.

The high-capacity cargo drone prototype has successfully taken off, achieving a remarkable feat under the command of Alexandre Zaramela, CEO of Moya Aero and designer of the eVTOL. "Even though I have already experienced other first flights throughout my career, it is always a thrill to see the vehicle fly as planned." He explains that we are currently experiencing saturation in logistics systems and that the Moya eVTOL has the potential to combine sustainability and solutions for different markets.
The Moya eVTOL was designed to enhance logistics services and solutions for agriculture, featuring a bold design that allows adaptations for different missions. With a payload capacity of 200 kg and a range of 300 km, the vehicle will not only contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. It will also bring a significant decrease in operating costs when compared to traditional helicopters.

Moya Aero has already secured several Letters of Intent (LOIs) to purchase more than 100 eVTOL units, consolidating its position as a key player in Brazil's future air cargo transportation. With the first successful flight, Moya Aero is now preparing for a series of rigorous tests during the certification phase, envisioning a horizon where Moya eVTOL will become essential in the positive transformation of the logistics sector in Brazil and beyond.

Expanding market

According to a report presented this year by Technavio, a leading market research company, it is estimated that the market related to express delivery in Brazil will offer a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.61% between 2022 and 2027, which represents an increase of US$1,635.85 million in total. This rise depends on several factors, such as the growth of the e-commerce market, the adoption of new technologies in express delivery services, and FTAs (free trade agreements) that stimulate the development of the express delivery market in Brazil.

Financing for the construction of the prototype was provided by FINEP, a Brazilian government body dedicated to supporting innovation and research. Expectations for the next ten years are encouraging, with expected revenue of around US$2 billion and projected sales of about a thousand units by then.

About Moya Aero

Moya Aero, founded in 2020, is a spin-off of ACS Aviation, a Brazilian aeronautical engineering, aircraft research and development company located in São José dos Campos. This extraordinary experience is behind the Moya eVTOL, the first high-capacity autonomous vehicle built in Latin America.

The Moya team's experience spans a broad spectrum of the aerospace industry. This knowledge is used to capitalize on market opportunities with aerial vehicle concepts that address many long-standing logistics problems, such as reducing CO₂ emissions, connecting remote regions with vital supplies, improving the efficiency, productivity, and cost of crop management, and connecting businesses with customers faster, cheaper and more straightforward. Seed4Science, Hards, and Techstars invested in Moya and have the support of FINEP in developing the prototype. Helisul Drones, ProAero, and Certifica Drones are partners.

Our ideas are creative. Our products are transformative.

Visit our video gallery to download the video for this article.
Suggested images: Moya eVTOL Prototype & Team and Moya eVTOL flying over the field