Jaunt Air Mobility, a developer of vertical take-off and landing, electric and hybrid, piloted and autonomous aircraft for advanced air mobility, plans to open design and manufacturing operations in Canada. Jaunt has also taken the first step in expanding its global reach by appointing Eric Côté to head its Canadian operations.

“Our announcement today to locate our design and manufacturing operations to Canada aligns with our certification path and commercialisation strategy,” states Jaunt CEO Martin Peryea. “Canada and Québec offer a wide range of opportunities stemming from a long history in the aerospace industry, including an experienced workforce and global suppliers. Canada's aerospace industry is known for export, and we intend to capitalise on that reach. Canada is a global leader in developing and promoting clean technology, and this is aligned with our core values.”

Côté joins the team with CEO experience in leading the Soucy Group, a worldwide engineering and manufacturing organisation, comprising 10 independent companies with 1,800 employees in the defence, power sports, industrial and agriculture sectors. During Côté's 15-year tenure at Soucy, his strategic vision and leadership allowed him to set up a strong and mobilised organisation with an increased presence on five continents. Before his time at Soucy, he spent 15 years with Bombardier Aerospace in senior-level positions for manufacturing engineering, operations strategies, continuous improvement and industrialisation. He was involved in setting up new manufacturing and assembly organisations in different countries. His first mandate will be to assist with engaging strategic investment partners and planning Jaunt's Canadian operations.

“We are pleased to have Eric join our senior leadership,” Peryea adds. “He brings significant experience in managing organisations and growing organisations to meet customer needs worldwide, and Jaunt's Canadian operations will create many new jobs in manufacturing and engineering and will introduce a new, sustainable, aviation ecosystem. We are committed to a sustainable environment with our green and innovative aircraft.”

Côté comments: “Jaunt Air Mobility is developing a new generation of aircraft that will meet the growing demand for faster urban and regional travel. The Jaunt Journey will meet the highest safety standards and eliminate green house gas (GHG) emissions. One aircraft can eliminate the equivalent of 95 cars of GHG in congested city driving conditions. The aircraft will offer a solution for urban air mobility, cargo delivery, medical transport and humanitarian aid.”