Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (Eve) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) through its fully owned subsidiary Fahari Aviation.

The collaborative MOU seeks to develop operational models for the wide accessibility of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in an effort to support Fahari Aviation’s key markets.

The partnership is also expected to establish the co-creation of a foundation of concepts and procedures to safely scale electric vertical aircraft (EVA) throughout Kenya in the coming years.

Eve will support Fahari Aviation, KQ’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) division that promotes safe and secure usage in the region, to establish its UAM network and collaborate on the required Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) procedures and UAM operating environment.

This partnership will allow Fahari Aviation to support Eve’s aircraft and product development process which will help guide the integration of UAM with KQ’s overall operations.

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Eve’s fully electric aircraft is designed to be accessible to all while being a community-friendly aircraft with a low noise signature and no emissions.

It seeks to drastically cut road travel time and is ideally suited as a UAM aircraft bringing all traditional aviation travelers closer to their final destination efficiently and comfortably.

 “We are thrilled to partner with Kenya Airways to provide new forms of air mobility throughout the region for both people and goods. The creation of disruptive and widely accessible Urban Air Mobility solutions will help democratize mobility by making it more accessible, affordable and giving communities more options,” said Andre Stein, President and CEO of Eve.

Andre added, “This partnership will foster long-term mobility strategies throughout the country and region. With our aircraft and aerospace services backing and Kenya Airways’ innovative approach to air mobility, we are enthusiastic about opening this region to more sustainable and community-friendly air access for all.”

Allan Kilavuka, KQ Group MD and CEO added, “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.

He also said, “With this partnership, we look to develop innovative air mobility solutions for our clients in Kenya and throughout the region.”

The partnership will deliver a robust strategy to provide Fahari Aviation’s passengers with a sustainable, accessible, and affordable transportation option.

It is estimated that using UAM from the airport to downtown, EVA can reduce conventional road trips by up to 90 per cent turning an hour and a half ride into a 6-minute flight.