Kenya Airways signs deal to buy 40 flying electric taxis

Kenya Airways has announced that it will introduce 40 electric ‘flying taxis’ through its new subsidiary, Fahari Aviation.

In a deal signed between Kenya Airways, Eve Holding Inc. and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, the national carrier will bring the flying taxis to the country and also establish a business model for drone cargo operations.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) signed by the three companies also includes joint studies through a working group to develop and scale the Urban Air Mobility market in Kenya.

The flying taxi, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is an electric powered cruise vehicle with multiple rotors used to take off and land vertically.

At cruise altitude, the rear propellers push the aircraft forward making it easier to move within cities while avoiding traffic jams.

“Urban air mobility is the future to transport and we are honored to be the champions of this in this region. The journey to realize the dream of eVTOL vehicles in Kenya is on course and the partnership with EVE Inc. 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,” said Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kivaluka.

Eve Holding Inc has also signed a deal with Kenya Airways to develop operational models for urban air mobility through Fahari Aviation.

“This is a new chapter of the Eve and Fahari Aviation partnership to strengthen both companies commitment to establishing the foundations that will sustainably support the ecosystem for Urban Air Mobility in Kenya,” said Eve CEO Andre Stein.

Under the agreement, Eve will work with Fahari to establish its mobility network and the required urban air traffic management procedures and operating environment.

Fahari will support Eve’s aircraft and product development process, which will help guide the integration of Kenya Airways.