On the 150th anniversary of the birth of Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont, Brazilian aeronautics firm Embraer and its subsidiary Eve Air Mobility have announced their plans to build a factory for "electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft" or eVTOL. 

The companies have already received orders for 2,850 eVTOLs worth about $1.5bn (£1.2bn), from 28 clients in several countries, including helicopter operators, airlines and flight-sharing platforms, according to AFP.

Artist rending of flying taxi/ Eve Air Mobility

Image credit: Eve Air Mobility

The aircraft resembles small helicopters - according to designs - with enough space for up to six customers. The vehicles will be 100 per cent electric, allowing for emissions-free travel.

Initially, t...