Eve Air Mobility and Yugo, a Singapore-based aviation company, have announced that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the potential for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and eVTOL flights in Southeast Asia.
Yugo is a private aviation network established by aviation experts, with a global presence and a focus on Southeast Asia.
Together, Eve and Yugo will specifically focus on the potential infrastructure requirements to support eVTOL operations including regulations. The companies will also analyse service centre and vertiport size and capabilities, ground handling and other areas as needed.
“We are looking forward to collaboratively working with Yugo to study and help define the UAM ecosystem in Singapore and Southeast Asia,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “Our goal is to also understand and define a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights in the region, but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem.”
“We strongly believe that Southeast Asian economies will greatly contribute to the development of the eVTOL and UAM industry,” said Thierry Tea, Chairman of Yugo. “Our collaboration with Eve will offer valuable insights into the essential requirements for regional air mobility development.”
Eve has been very active and committed to helping introduce Urban Air Mobility in the Asia Pacific region. The company is already working with various key stakeholders across the region to collaboratively build the ecosystems and explore future operations in multiple countries.
As Eve supports the exploration of eVTOL development in Southeast Asia, the region’s aviation infrastructure is rapidly advancing. The Philippines is constructing the New Manila International Airport by San Miguel Corporation, while OCIC Group is building Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (TIA), set to open in 2025. To reduce carbon emissions, these modern and sustainable new airports, including Phnom Penh’s TIA designed by Foster and Partners, are exploring charging stations and flight routes for flying taxis and electric jets.
Singapore is the first mover in Southeast Asia for UAM and this can provide neighboring countries a template to support further ecosystem development in the region. For instance, OCIC Group, is partnering with Changi Airport and Singapore Airline Engineering.
The ongoing innovation and progress in emerging countries stand to gain from eVTOLs, next-gen aircraft and evolving infrastructure. Yugo’s commitment is to support regional eVTOL innovation and its network includes Southeast Asian operators such as PhilJets in the Philippines and Helistar in Cambodia.
Eve has continued to advance the development of its eVTOL aircraft. The company has begun construction of its full-scale prototype and is on schedule to begin testing the aircraft in 2024. Featuring a lift+cruise design to minimise moving parts and reduce potential cost of ownership, Eve’s eVTOL features eight lift rotors to assist in takeoff and landing and one push rotor for cruise. With a range of 100km (60 miles) and traveling at speeds of 100 knots, Eve’s aircraft currently leads the industry with 2,850 orders. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
In addition to developing its eVTOL aircraft, Eve will offer its customers instant access to an existing worldwide network of service centers through its relationship with Embraer, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft. The company is also developing a range of solutions to ensure that it is able to support its customers on Day 1 ranging from flight operations solutions and network optimisation to data management and eVTOL health monitoring.
“These types of collaborations and agreements are a critical first step toward pursuing eVTOL flights. We are looking forward to working with Yugo and other key stakeholders as we begin this project,” said Bordais.
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