By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Electric aircraft maker Eve has appointed former Rolls-Royce (OTC:RYCEY) executive Megha Bhatia as its new chief commercial officer, the company said on Tuesday, as it continues to develop its "flying taxi".

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Eve, controlled by Brazilian planemaker Embraer, is one of a bevy of startups worldwide developing battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically to ferry travelers on short city trips, allowing them to beat traffic.

The firm, which expects its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to obtain certification and enter service in 2026, has amassed nearly 3,000 potential orders ahead of production with potential revenue of $14.5 billion.

BACKGROUND

Bhatia will oversee Eve's global sales, market intelligence and government relations divisions. She served most recently as chief strategy officer at Jet Support Services Inc (JSSI), a provider of aviation maintenance support and financial services.

The executive had previously worked for more than a decade at Rolls-Royce, where she had a stint as sales & marketing vice for the firm's business aviation division.

KEY QUOTES

"Megha's extensive experience and strategic leadership are going to be instrumental as Eve prepares for LOI conversion into firm orders," Eve's Chief Executive Johann Bordais said in a statement.

"Her ability to drive growth, manage large P&Ls and lead high-performing teams, combined with her deep understanding of the aviation industry, make her an invaluable addition."