亚航通过向 Avolon 订购 100 架 eVTOL 飞行器，释放对空中出租车的兴趣信号

Credit: Photo: Vertical Aerospace

Published Feb 16, 2022, 5:35 AM EST

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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.

For AirAsia, the step into UAM is a natural progression for the firm. It has long claimed to be far more than ‘just an airline’ and has rebranded itself to Capital A in recent months to reflect its evolution into a complete lifestyle brand. Using its AirAsia Super App, the airline intends to work with Avolon to create an eVTOL ride sharing platform, perhaps the first of the ‘flying Uber’ generation. Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon commented,

“We are delighted to partner with AirAsia who share our vision of revolutionising the future of air travel. We look forward to working with Tony, and the AirAsia team, on their eVTOL journey. Together we will develop a ride sharing platform and bring the zero-emissions VX4 aircraft into service, positioning AirAsia as the operator of choice for sustainable air travel in the region.”

The race for eVTOL dominance

It seems that barely a week goes by when another eVTOL product comes out of the woodwork. Embraer’s EVE is forging ahead with new orders from airlines; Airbus has its own product and Boeing is choosing to invest rather than develop.

But Vertical Aerospace has enjoyed a solid start in the market. To date, it has already had commitments placed for 1,350 aircraft, including orders from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and more. Its VX4 is a four passenger electric aircraft that will be capable of flying up to 200 miles per hour, with a range of 100 miles.

Just last week, the manufacturer has announced a partnership with leading helicopter and aerospace company Leonardo to develop the lightweight fuselage required for the VX4. Leonardo will work on the development of at least six certification aircraft, which will be used during the certification process of the aircraft.

However, there are still many unknowns for Vertical Aerospace and other eVTOL companies, as there is a minefield of regulations, certification and operational challenges to navigate before we see these aircraft taking to the skies. As such, the outstanding orders from airline customers are all non-binding, as is AirAsia’s today.