Airbus collaborates with Avincis on the development of cutting-edge Air Mobility technology
In a significant move towards the future of air travel, Airbus and Avincis have joined forces to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. This collaboration aims to explore operational opportunities for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft throughout Europe.
The partnership between these two industry giants is set to leverage their combined expertise, with Airbus bringing its aircraft development capabilities and Avincis contributing its operational experience in helicopter services.
John Boag, CEO of Avincis, has expressed his belief that eVTOLs will play an important role in their long-term fleet strategy. This sentiment was echoed by Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, who expressed excitement about partnering with Avincis to explore the mission potential of CityAirbus NextGen.
The CityAirbus NextGen prototype, which was presented to the public in March 2024, is currently undergoing testing at Airbus' AAM test centre in Donauwörth, Germany. This fully electric prototype is a testament to the companies' commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
The collaboration between Airbus and Avincis extends beyond just the CityAirbus NextGen prototype. Both parties will jointly work to define mission profiles for eVTOL operations in Europe and other target regions. They will also collaborate to define the concept of operations for eVTOLs in Europe and beyond, with a focus on how these air vehicles can contribute to missions that save lives and protect communities.
The partnership is another step towards the creation of an AAM ecosystem. It reflects broader European efforts, supported by governments and regulatory agencies (e.g., EASA), to develop a sustainable, safe, and scalable AAM ecosystem that can reduce urban congestion and environmental impact through cleaner, faster air mobility solutions.
Avincis, a leading Aerial Emergency Services operator, provides critical aviation services to the civil sector. This partnership marks an expansion of Airbus' longstanding relationship with Avincis.
With over 2,400 professionals, including experienced pilots, crews, and technicians, Avincis operates more than 220 aircraft across Europe, Africa, and South America. The company's global fleet includes approximately 60 Airbus aircraft.
The partnership between Airbus and Avincis will optimize how eVTOL aircraft can serve urban and suburban regions by exploring and identifying potential routes and operational scenarios across Europe. They will also utilise existing infrastructure, such as airports, to support eVTOL operations, which reduces the financial and regulatory challenges involved in building brand-new facilities like vertiports.
Air traffic control, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks already established at airports can facilitate faster certification and deployment of eVTOL services. This collaboration is a significant step towards the integration of eVTOL operations across the continent.
References: [1] Airbus and Avincis Partner to Advance European Advanced Air Mobility Market. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2024/airbus-and-avincis-partner-to-advance-european-advanced-air-mobility-market.html
[2] Airbus and Avincis to Collaborate on Advanced Air Mobility. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.avincis.com/news/airbus-and-avincis-to-collaborate-on-advanced-air-mobility/
In the realm of sports, the collaboration between Airbus and Avincis could potentially introduce a new dimension, with eVTOL aircraft serving as rapid emergency response vehicles, akin to the speed and agility required in sports.
Moreover, optimizing eVTOL operations across Europe as envisioned by Airbus and Avincis could facilitate swift transportation of sports teams and equipment, thereby enhancing sports logistics, a sector that heavily relies on technology for efficient operations.
