The concept of personal airborne mobility is edging closer to reality, thanks to innovative developments in electric aviation. AltoVolo has introduced the world’s first online configurator for a fully customizable eVTOL — an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft tailored to individual preferences.

eVTOLs are compact, quiet aircraft capable of taking off vertically like helicopters and flying efficiently like planes, all powered by electric or hybrid engines. With AltoVolo’s user-friendly platform, users can design their own aircraft online, selecting colors, materials, and interior details, making personalized aviation accessible beyond traditional manufacturers.

The company’s flagship model, the Sigma, exemplifies this leap forward. This three-seat hybrid-electric aircraft offers a range of 500 miles, speeds over 220 mph, and operates at more than 80% quieter levels than conventional helicopters. Its silent operation opens possibilities for urban air mobility, such as rooftops or open fields serving as takeoff points, reducing noise pollution significantly.

Safety features include redundancy in engines, a ballistic parachute, and a lightweight design—less than 16 feet wide and over 2,100 pounds—ensuring easier handling and storage. According to industry experts, such innovations are key to mainstream adoption, especially as regulatory frameworks like the U.S. MOSAIC rule simplify certification processes.

AltoVolo enhances user experience with a realistic flight simulator that replicates the Sigma’s cockpit, allowing owners to train and even earn pilot licenses. CEO Will Wood emphasizes that the company’s focus is on performance and customer engagement, paving the way for a new era of personal urban mobility.

As urban air travel becomes quieter, safer, and more customizable, AltoVolo’s vision of a future where flying is as personal as driving moves closer to reality. This shift could transform regional travel, connecting communities efficiently and sustainably.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.