Kevin Singh: A Passionate Aviator and Entrepreneur
Kevin Singh is a passionate aviator who has always been fascinated by aviation and all the elements that come with it. From the technology involved to the exhilarating human experience of defying nature, Singh has found his calling in flying with mechanical wings.
Singh’s journey in aviation began after he graduated high school in 1995. He wasted no time in pursuing his dreams and obtained his commercial pilot certificate. He then went on to acquire his CFI, CFII, and MEI qualifications. As an avid freight dog, Singh flew the Bonanza and Cessna 400 aircraft series in various locations such as Mount Shasta, Louisiana, and Texas. Throughout his career, he had the privilege of piloting some of the most luxurious private aircraft including the Beech Jet, Hawker 800 series, Challenger 600, and the Global 5000/6000 series. Additionally, Singh served as an instructor on the Hawker 800 and Challenger 600 programs.
One of Singh’s core beliefs is that success is achieved by investing in people. He firmly believes that if you build, success will have limitations, but if you plant, success will grow boundlessly and provide for generations to come. With this mindset, Singh started Icarus Jet from a humble two-bedroom apartment. Today, his company has expanded to three offices across three continents, with several teams of dedicated employees.
The aviation industry has been placing significant bets on electric aircraft as a decarbonized solution. This is evident through United Airlines’ substantial $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility, an emerging electric aviation startup. NetJets, one of the largest global private jet operators, is also gearing up to incorporate 150 electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Lilium Jet.
While it may be premature to assert that private or commercial aviation is fully prepared for electrification and carbon footprint reduction, there is a well-founded belief that private aviation, led by industry leaders like Icarus Jet, will play a significant role in shaping aviation’s electric trajectory. Private aviation’s unique characteristics, combined with consumer expectations, position it as an ideal candidate to drive the electric revolution.
Private aviation is known for its flexibility and access to remote locations, which align seamlessly with the goals of the urban air mobility ecosystem. This ecosystem aims to provide agile and flexible transportation options within urban areas, connecting private jet flights from downtowns to private terminals or serving as the final leg of a journey. Electric aircraft are expected to fulfill short to mid-distance transportation needs, while traditional fuel-powered or hybrid planes handle longer-haul flights.
In the short term, the collaboration between private aviation entities and electric aircraft manufacturers is primarily focused on enhancing the passenger experience. Private aviation’s mission to save time receives a significant boost from the ability to bypass ground transportation during various stages of a journey. This added value is highly appreciated by both the industry and its clients.
Electric aircraft manufacturers are currently developing diverse models for the urban and regional segments, with a focus on eVTOLs and Electric Short Take-Off and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft. eVTOLs excel in operating within tight spaces due to their vertical take-off and landing capabilities, while eSTOLs resemble conventional airplanes and require slightly more space for operation.
While there are still many pieces to fall in place for a smooth transition towards electrification in aviation, the collaboration between private aviation and electric aircraft manufacturers shows promising signs. With passionate individuals like Kevin Singh leading the way, the future of aviation looks bright, sustainable, and electrifying.
