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Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a deal with two Brazilian companies to acquire 40 flying electric taxis as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in urban air mobility.
Through its subsidiary Fahari Aviation, the national airline on Tuesday signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with UAM, LLC, a subsidiary of Eve Holding, Inc. (“Eve”), and a carve-out of Embraer S.A. (“Embraer").
Under the agreement, the three companies will undertake joint studies through a working group to develop and scale the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market and a business model for cargo drone operations in Kenya. The project is expected to start deliveries in 2026.
KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka said the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as flying cars, will place the national carrier as the regional leader in urban air mobility which is the future of transport.
“The journey to realize the dream of eVTOL vehicles in Kenya is on course and the partnership with EVE UAM, 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,” Kilavuka said.
Eve co-CEO Andre Stein pointed out that the partnership will strengthen both companies’ commitment to establishing the foundations that will sustainably support the ecosystem for urban air mobility in Kenya.
“This is a new chapter of the Eve and Fahari Aviation partnership. Last year, we announced a collaboration to develop operational models for Fahari Aviation’s key markets, and today’s announcement confirms that it is evolving successfully,” he said.
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Sooo you have the capacity to make sense. 👏🏿
Yes! For MtotoMjinga🤪 with No Sense like You.
I hate to be the bearer of a gloom and doom prediction but this seems to be one of those ideas whose time is not yet here. How many people can these crafts carry? What share of the local and regional market will these crafts get? Ama hii ni zile ideas that are hatched ili watu fulani wakule?
Yep. These are foreigners using Kenya as the guinea pig.........
Just another money hole in the sinking KQ ship. I can guarantee with 💯 percent confidence that this project shall fail. Millions will be sunk into air taxis only for them to be auctioned for nothing.
It's amazing how much nonsense these CEOs spew.
The problem I have with this deal is that, it involves tax payers money.I believe the gov. owns about 50% of ailine,and it just bailed out the financially straggling Kenya airways.
I would not have a problem with it if this was purely a private venture.
sure we all want safer, better,quicker,and affordable mode of urban transportation,but this does not sound like a deal for Mr. Githeriman,and Mama mboga.And they are the majority of transportation seekers.
The rich have no problem with transportation.Or do they?The worst option is for them is to fly out of the country...
Right now our concern should be to make roads safer,and less crowded.When time is right, flying cars will find market in abundance.
You know this is going to be another boondoggle for Kenya's "public servants". Somehow, this will become an essential public expenditure for a trip from one's preferred watering hole, tryst or other personal business to parliament buildings or home in Karen or other fancy neighborhood. It will all be in the name of public service.
I would not be surprised if those who purchased helicopters from South Africa are cursing,and wishing they could get hold of these flying - benzs,and Jaguars...Ruto probably thinks Uruhu and RAO conspired to delay the introduction of these "flying matatus" till after election.
Just another window to get KQ funds to individual pockets. If there are flying taxis in Brazil, KQ management should provide data on financial health of the Brazilian companies.
Another BRIDGE to Nowhere and FRAUDULENT disaster Waiting to Happen. Again!!!