Airbus collaborates with Avincis on the development of cutting-edge Air Mobility technology
Airbus and Avincis Team Up for Advanced Air Mobility Solutions
Airbus and Avincis, a leading Aerial Emergency Services operator, have announced a partnership to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions and operate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft throughout Europe. The collaboration was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2024.
The partnership aims to address the emerging urban air mobility market, where eVTOL aircraft can offer faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation alternatives within urban and suburban areas. This aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating electric propulsion, battery technologies, and autonomous systems for sustainable and scalable air mobility.
Avincis, with its fleet of over 220 aircraft and a team of more than 2,400 professionals, brings practical operational capability and market presence in helicopter services. This complements Airbus's advanced development of eVTOL aircraft and AAM infrastructure plans.
The CityAirbus NextGen prototype, a fully electric vehicle, is currently undergoing testing at Airbus' AAM test centre in Donauwörth, Germany before its initial flight later this year. This prototype was presented to the public in March 2024 following its final assembly and power-on in December 2023.
The collaboration between Airbus and Avincis is an expansion of Airbus' global network of partnerships and a continuation of its long-standing relationship with Avincis. John Boag, CEO of Avincis, stated that eVTOLs will play an important role in Avincis' long-term fleet strategy. Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, expressed excitement about partnering with Avincis and exploring the mission potential of CityAirbus NextGen.
The partnership will focus on operating eVTOL aircraft throughout Europe and jointly defining mission profiles for eVTOL operations in Europe and other target regions. The companies will also work together to define the concept of operations for eVTOLs in Europe and beyond. This collaboration is another step towards the creation of an AAM ecosystem, with the potential to revolutionise air travel and emergency services.
[1] Source: Airbus Press Release, June 2024.
- The partnership between Airbus and Avincis, as expressed by Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, is an exciting opportunity to explore the mission potential of Airbus' CityAirbus NextGen, which is currently undergoing testing and is set for its initial flight this year, as a part of their broader plan to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions using technology.
- The collaboration between Airbus and Avincis, with Avincis' practical operational capability and market presence in helicopter services and Airbus' advanced development of eVTOL aircraft and AAM infrastructure plans, represents a significant step towards the integration of electric propulsion, battery technologies, and autonomous systems for sustainable and scalable air mobility, thereby aligning with the broader industry trend.
