AirAsia has joined the ranks of airlines throwing their support behind the blossoming eVTOL market. The airline has partnered with leasing company Avolon to secure a minimum of 100 units of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4.
The airline is the first to commit to the eVTOL technology in Southeast Asia, and will be the launch customer for the VX4 when it arrives. Avolon previously ordered 500 of the VX4s for placement with its global airline customers, and with AirAsia’s commitment, it has now placed 450 of those 500 pre-orders. Other VX4s from Avolon are going to Japan’s JAL and Brazil’s GOL.Tony Fernandes, CEO of the now renamed ‘Capital A’, commented on the commitment saying,
“Innovation has always been in our DNA and using technology to look at more efficient and sustainable ways of doing things is a core focus across Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group). I am truly excited about this partnership between Avolon and AirAsia and the potential for zero-emissions ultra-short-haul air travel in Southeast Asia. In the VX4, we have identified what we believe will be the eVTOL aircraft of choice and we are thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia.”
Avolon intends to partner with AirAsia to commercialize the operations of these zero-emissions eVTOLs and to help the airline develop an urban air mobility (UAM) platform in Southeast Asia. The lessor will work with the airline to achieve local certification, to research market opportunities and to develop the required infrastructure for UAM. Simple Flying - link - Joanna Bailey - link - more like this - link
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