French aviation start-up Ascendance, founded in Toulouse by four former Airbus Group workers, is ready to move into the development and production phase of its first hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVtol) aircraft and Landing) called "Atea". It is a decisive step that comes more than two years after the announcement of its concept.

The Ascendance company will take this step with two partners who will contribute to giving life to the "Atea" air taxi: the first company Solvay will make available its experience in advanced composite materials (structural adhesives and polymers) while the manufacturer Airborne will take care of the systems state-of-the-art digital automation. Such collaboration will enable large-scale production. 

This decisive step is a milestone that comes just a few months after obtaining an investment of 21 million Euros. The French start-up announced that it has already obtained almost 250 letters of intent for the purchase of its aircraft, as well as separate agreements for the supply of the Sterna hybrid propulsion system (Saf, hydrogen, electric). The first flight of the hybrid air taxi is expected in 2026.