Eve Air Mobility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based private aviation network Yugo Global Industries to study the potential for urban air mobility (UAM) and electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Southeast Asia.
Under the MoU, the two companies will focus on analyzing potential infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Southeast Asia, as well as examining regulatory aspects. The sizes and capabilities required for vertiports and service centers will be analyzed, as well as the requirements for ground handling and related aspects.
“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, Eve’s CEO. “Our goal is also to understand and define a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights in the region but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem.”
Eve, which is developing a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with backing from Embraer, has been highly active in the effort to bring UAM to the Asia-Pacific region, and the company already works with several key stakeholders. Incorporating future UAM operations into large airport developments stands as a key factor.
Two airports in particular are under scrutiny: Manila International Airport in the Philippines and the Techo International Airport near Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which is set to open in 2025. The modern, sustainable airports are exploring charging stations and flight routes for air taxis and other electric aircraft. Yugo partners PhilJets (Philippines) and Helistar (Cambodia) are important contributors to the studies and analyses.
As the primary technology innovator in the region, Singapore plays a significant role in the introduction of UAM and can provide a useful template for other ecosystem developers. As an example, the OCIC Group that is constructing the Phnom Penh airport is partnered with Changi Airport and Singapore Airline Engineering.
In the meantime, Eve claims to be leading the field in terms of eVTOL sales, with 2,850 on order. The company plans to begin flight trials with the full-scale prototype of its lift-and-cruise design this year, with service entry slated for 2026. The vehicle, which features eight lift rotors and one for cruise thrust, flies to a range of around 60 miles (100 kilometers) and a maximum speed of around 100 knots.