Kenyan flagship carrier Kenya Airways’ Fahari Aviation subsidiary has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazilian Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions division to co-develop operational models for the wide-accessibility of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), media reports said.
Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways told the media, “Partnerships are vital in mapping out the future of our airline, something which the global crisis has reinforced. Innovation is a critical element of our long-term sustainability. Fahari Aviation is at the forefront of exploring advanced technologies, with a key focus in aviation, starting with drone technology. With this partnership, we look to develop innovative air mobility solutions for our clients in Kenya and throughout the region.”
The agreement will see Kenya Airways develop the scale electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as EVA (Electrical Vertical Aircraft).
Over the years, we have witnessed a growing emphasis with regard to climate change. The aviation industry has come under immense scrutiny for its contribution to climate change.
Earlier this year in May, Fahari Aviation also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK-based logistics company Skyports to collaborate in launching drone services in the country.
In a statement, both parties said, “The partnership aims to explore the commercial viability and impact of various medical, logistical, and inspection use cases alongside Kenya’s leading public and private institutions with the launch of the first drone delivery flights slated for Q3-Q4 this year.”