Kenya Airways partners with Embraer on eVTOL air taxi

Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, a unit of Embraer (EMB, Sao Jose dos Campos), to develop an electric vertical-take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) network in Kenya.

“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,” stated Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways.

The partnership does not entail even a tentative order for Eve’s eVTOL aircraft. Instead, the two companies said they would jointly work on the “Urban Air Mobility network and collaborate on the required Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) procedures and UAM operating environment”. The Brazilian manufacturer will work on its proposed eVTOL uncrewed aircraft with the support of Fahari Aviation, taking into account its operational requirements. The carrier said it could use the eVTOL aircraft to establish first/last mile connectivity between airports and the city centre.

Besides an array of partnerships with various technology suppliers, Eve has so far secured commitments from Brazil’s Helisul Linhas Aéreas for up to 50 eVTOLs, UK’s Halo Aviation (United Kingdom) for up to 200, New York’s Fly Blade for an undisclosed number of aircraft operating up to 60,000 flight hours per year, and South American charter broker Flapper for aircraft operating up to 25,000 hours per year. The manufacturer hopes to begin deliveries in 2026.