In this episode, we speak with Furqan, CEO and co-founder of Sora Aviation, a UK-based startup pioneering the S1, a 30-seat battery-electric tiltrotor designed to make Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) truly affordable and accessible.

Key Topics & Insights include:

- Sora’s Origin Story – From early fascination with aviation to leading eVTOL programs at GKN, and why Furqan and co-founder Malcolm Foster set out to build a “flying bus” for the masses.

- Mission & Vision – Tackling AAM’s biggest challenge: affordability. Why higher passenger capacity is the key to equitable access, not just serving VIPs.

- Inside the S1 Aircraft – Battery-electric tiltrotor design, 30-seat capacity, low-noise optimizations, advanced safety redundancies, and innovative battery integration.

- Market Focus – Airport shuttle routes as the launch market, with high demand, strong willingness to pay, and a proven historical precedent in large passenger helicopters.

- Go-to-Market & Partnerships – Aircraft sales model with MRO, training, and battery services; early orders from South Korea’s Moviation and collaborations with UK universities and aerospace specialists.

- Certification Path – Targeting UK CAA approval aligned with EASA SC-VTOL standards, paving the way for FAA and global certification.

- Challenges & Public Perception – Overcoming skepticism about “flying buses” and shifting the conversation from luxury air taxis to everyday mobility.

- Future Milestones – First full-scale rotor spin-up next year, first flight in 2028, and entry into service by 2031.

- Myth-Busting – eVTOLs are not just electric helicopters—they target different missions and will evolve over time.