Brazilian aerospace startup Moya Aero has announced that its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has completed nearly 200 test flights, marking a major milestone in its development programme.
“These nearly 200 flights have generated extensive real-world data, enabled deep system validation, and allowed the company to continue refining its flight capabilities,” said Moya CEO, Alexandre Zaramela.
The company, a spin-off from ACS Aviation, is aiming to bring a high-capacity autonomous cargo drone to market, with operations expected to commence in 2027.
The latest test flights have been focused on refining control strategies, validating systems, and optimising flight behaviour. Each flight provides crucial data, advancing Moya’s goal of creating a reliable and efficient autonomous eVTOL tailored for logistics.
Cargo, not commuters
CEO Alexandre Zaramela highlighted the company’s decision to focus on cargo operations in remote areas in a previous interview with Zag Daily.
“Rather than dealing with the complexities of piloted urban air mobility, we see autonomous cargo transport as a more immediate and realistic application of this technology,” Zaramela said. “Now, investors are realising the near-term viability of autonomous cargo operations.”
Moya Aero’s platform is being designed for a range of applications, including logistics, mining support, disaster relief, and agricultural use.
This approach allows Moya to bypass some of the more stringent certification challenges associated with passenger flights. Zaramela pointed out that safety remains a priority, but without human passengers onboard, regulatory approvals may be more straightforward.
“We’re working closely with Brazil’s aviation authorities to establish a certification framework that enables phased expansion, rather than an all-or-nothing type certification,” he explained.
Moya Aero’s progress is also reflective of Brazil’s expanding role in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. The country has a strong aviation heritage, with companies such as Embraer helping to establish an aerospace cluster in São José dos Campos, where Moya is based.
