Embraer’s electrical vehicle take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) subsidiary, EVE, has signed an agreement with Kenya Airways’ subsidiary, Fahari Aviation. The Letter of Intent is for up to 40 eVTOLs, with deliveries to commence in 2026. The project is intended to develop and scale the urban air mobility (UAM) landscape in Kenya and includes joint studies as well as a business model for cargo drone operations.
Large number of applications for sustainable development
The eVTOL market is slowly and steadily expanding as we inch closer to the urban – and not only – mobility of the future. Imagine silently and sustainably gliding between tall buildings in one of the largest cities on a continent or rangers protecting wildlife without bothering the animals they are tracking with noise and pollution. This could be the future in Kenya, further advanced by Tuesday’s announcement between Embraer Eve and Kenya Airways.
Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Airways, commented on the joint project between the two companies,
“Urban air mobility is the future of transport and we are honoured to be the champions of this in the region. The journey to realise the dream of eVTOL vehicles in Kenya is on course, and the partnership with Eve is a key achievement for us as part of the strategy to adopt new technologies as a growth strategy for the sustainable development of Africa.”
Kenya Airways’ subsidiary is focused on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. Photo: Getty Images
Splendid partnership
Fahari is a primarily female Swahili name that means Splendor. Fahari Aviation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has been focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions to address different issues, such as traffic jams, sightseeing, parcel delivery, agriculture, and wildlife protection. It makes sense that it would partner with the innovation subsidiary of another…