Drone Network reported on July 1 that according to "DroneDJ" news, Eve, the urban air mobility (UAM) unit of Embraer , said it had signed a deal with a subsidiary of Kenya Airways Agreement to purchase up to 40 electric take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), with first delivery expected in 2026.
Recently, Eve revealed its eVTOL agreement with Fahari Aviation, the UAM arm of Kenya Airways, but noted that the initial letter of intent was signed in March. In addition to providing the company with next-generation aircraft, the agreement calls for the partners to establish a working group to study the development and scale of air taxis and similar services in Kenya and create a business model based on those findings.
These initiatives build on an agreement signed in August last year to explore the feasibility of rolling out UAM transport options across Kenya using eVTOL aircraft. Earlier this year, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka announced his decision to move forward with plans to introduce short-haul electric aviation services. This could include air taxi excursions between Nairobi Airport and the city centre, which are expected to reduce the typical 90-minute road commute to a six-minute flight.
Kilavuka said: “Urban air mobility is the future of transportation and we are proud to be an advocate for the region. The journey to realize the dream of eVTOL vehicles in Kenya is ongoing and our partnership with Eve is a significant achievement for us as we adopt the new Technology as part of Africa’s sustainable growth strategy.”
Kenya was late to the electric aviation bandwagon, legalizing the use of drones only in 2020. Since then, however, a steadily growing group of people has become involved in the technology. Kenya Airways, through Fahari Air, has been among those actors pursuing new commercial activities using drones. This includes the development of a range of services for corporate and public administration clients, as well as a program to train companies and individuals seeking to provide similar aerial support themselves.
Recently, the organization that oversees its country’s construction sector announced that it will begin deploying drones to verify that building regulations are being followed and identify rogue contractors working without permits. Meanwhile, some NGOs are using the aircraft to reverse environmental damage, while many counties in Kaina are also using drones to combat the severe malaria problem. Authorities have also joined their counterparts across Africa in turning to specialist just-in-time logistics companies such as Zipline and Swoop Aero to operate drones to deliver medical supplies to remote and underserved communities.
For its part, Eve has been busy developing eVTOL prototypes for UAM services and has been laying the groundwork for air transportation activities in the United States as well as international regions such as Latin America. Eve co-chief executive Andre Stein said strengthening the relationship with Kenya Airways will help its business take root in the country and across Africa.
Stein said: “This is a new chapter in the partnership between Eve and Fahari Aviation, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to building foundations that will sustainably support Kenya’s urban air mobility ecosystem. Last year, we announced a collaboration to Developing operating models for Fahari Aviation’s key markets, today’s announcement confirms that it is successfully developing ”
.
