China's TCab Tech Raises More Funds for E20 eVTOL Aircraft

Liang Nan Meets with Jens Eskelund, President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in ChinaOn March 7, Liang Nan, Deputy Administrator of CAAC, met with Jens Eskelund, President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on enhancing cooperation in civil aviation.Liang said that China and the EU have long maintained extensive cooperative relations in the field of civil aviation, and the EU Chamber of Commerce in China has served as a bridge for more interactions between governments and enterprises of both sides. CAAC remains committed to fostering a market-oriented and law-based international business environment and stands ready to work with the European Chamber as always to advance pragmatic cooperation in civil aviation, promote the growth of the China-EU air transport market, and further contribute to China-EU economic and trade ties as well as people-to-people exchanges.Eskelund said that the European Chamber of Commerce in China highly values its exchanges and cooperation with CAAC, and is willing to cooperate with China in an all-round way in areas such as sustainable aviation fuels and low-altitude economy, with the aim of jointly promoting the safe, efficient and sustainable development of air transport, ensuring both sides' enterprises can reap tangible benefits in the China-EU market.FAA Warns Laser Strikes on Aircraft Still Too HighBy KERRY LYNCH • Editor, AIN monthly magazineMarch 27, 2025Pilot reports of laser strikes reached 12,840 last year in the U.S., a 3% decline from 2023 but a number that the FAA still calls “dangerously high.” The FAA has long campaigned to discourage people from shining lasers at aircraft, warning that it poses a serious threat to safety and is a federal crime. Pilots have reported 328 injuries from such events since the agency began tracking laser strikes in 2010, the FAA noted.In 2024, the most laser strike reports unsurprisingly came from some of the most populous states, with California leading the way at 1,489. This was followed closely by Texas at 1,463, then Florida (810), Tennessee (649), Illinois (622), Arizona (550), New York (531), Indiana (512), Georgia (416), and Virginia (415).Under federal law, the FAA can impose fines of up to $11,000 per laser strike and $30,800 for multiple violations. This comes in addition to other federal criminal penalties that could include up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with state and local penalties.The FAA has developed multiple online and other resources on this topic, including a visualization tool that depicts current-year incidents (1,799 thus far in 2025), daily average occurrences (30.5), and other key information.China’s TCab Tech Raises More Funds for E20 eVTOL AircraftBy CHARLES ALCOCK • Managing EditorMarch 27, 2025Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer TCab Tech has closed a Series B+ funding round, announcing on March 27 that it has now raised a total of $100 million. The Shanghai-based company did not disclose the amount raised in the latest round, which it said was backed by Grand NeoBay Venture Capital and Chifortune Venture Capital.In March 2024, TCab Tech raised $20 million through a Series A funding round to support development of its four-passenger E20 eVTOL model. At the time, the company said it aimed to complete type certification with the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2025, but its latest statement this week did not provide an update on this timeline beyond confirming the completion of the G-1 issue paper stage in December 2024. In August 2023, the company flew a technology demonstrator.The tiltrotor design is expected to support a range of up to around 109 nm. TCab Tech’s statement this week mentioned an anticipated cruise speed of 174 knots, faster than the 140 knots reported last year. It also said that the E20 will feature an 800-volt ultra-fast charging system for the batteries that will power the aircraft’s six Safran electric motors.“The new funding will drive TCab Tech’s industrialization plan and further strengthen partnerships to develop vertiport infrastructure and regional air routes,” the company said in a written statement. “Investors will also contribute expertise in low-altitude economy policies and cross-industry resources, positioning the company to dominate the Yangtze River Delta’s emerging aerial mobility market.”UAS Adds Five Airports to Its U.S. Customs ProgramBy KERRY LYNCH • Editor, AIN monthly magazineMarch 26, 2025UAS International Trip Support has extended its participation in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reimbursable Services Program (RSP) to five more airports. Bringing the total of UAS RSP airports to 30, the latest additions are Salt Lake City International (KSLC) in Utah, Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF) in New York, Denver International (KDEN), San Francisco International (KSFO), and Kona International at Keahole (PHKO) in Hawaii.Through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) RSP, UAS is able to request and pay for CBP overtime services at approved U.S. entry ports where hours are limited.“Our clients appreciate the extra flexibility and freedom they enjoy through our RSP service offering,” said Abdul Charafeddin, executive v-p for the Americas for UAS, which is exhibiting this week at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. He added that the company’s specialists in Houston are “standing by” for occasions when such services are necessary. “As experts in U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures, we will ensure compliance and mitigate any impediments or challenges that could impact operations.”Airhub Aviation Expands Services at Siauliai AirportBy SARAH ROSE • News WriterMarch 25, 2025Airhub Aviation, a Lithuania-based aviation services provider under GetJet Aviation Holding, has expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations at Siauliai International Airport (EYSA) to address increasing demand. The expansion comes as airlines and lessors face global maintenance capacity shortages.“As the global fleet ages and remains in service longer, MRO needs are evolving beyond scheduled maintenance,” said Oleg Novak, CEO of Airhub Aviation. The company’s expanded facility enables it to conduct aircraft checks, overhauls, and lease transitions, supporting both its fleet and external clients.In its first MRO season, Airhub Aviation completed 17 maintenance inductions, including seven heavy checks on Airbus A320ceo aircraft. The company supports eight CAMO clients, operates five line stations, and manages component repair for more than 100 customers.Siauliai International Airport, a dual-use civilian and NATO facility, offers strategic advantages with two 3.5 km runways and 24/7 operations. Airhub Aviation’s 183,000-sq-ft MRO facility can accommodate up to five narrowbody aircraft or one widebody aircraft, including models such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-1000.That’s all for today’s broadcast. The Aviation Newsletter is brought to you by the dedicated team at Starrime.