Airbus and ITA Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on urban air mobility (UAM) in Italy. The two companies will explore the creation of tailored UAM services, by identifying strategic use cases for emission-free mobility solutions.
The agreement foresees a joint approach toward local mobility stakeholders in order to onboard additional partners for the launch of operations with the CityAirbus NextGen electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, currently in development.
CityAirbus NextGen is a fully electric vehicle equipped with fixed wings and eight electrically powered propellers as part of its uniquely designed distributed propulsion system. It is designed to carry up to four passengers – including a pilot. The vehicle is being developed to fly with a 80 km operational range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h.
“With this agreement, our partnership expands to the segment of urban air mobility for a wider, customer-centric, innovative and sustainable offer for our customers.”
Alfredo Altavilla, Chairman of ITA Airways.
ITA Airways is the Italian flag carrier airline. It was created in 2021 and recently directly purchased 28 aircraft from the manufacturer.
“This agreement is testimony to the strong relationship between Airbus and ITA Airways. It is an opportunity to leverage our shared ambition – pioneering sustainable aerospace – and advance new air mobility solutions for zero-emission vertical flight in support of our cities and communities later this decade.”
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus.