Eve Air Mobility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based private aviation group Yugo Global Industries to study the potential for urban air mobility (UAM) services using eVTOL aircraft in Southeast Asia.
Under the agreement signed at this week's Singapore Airshow, 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.
Manila and Phnom Penh Are Possible Vertiport Sites
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 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.
In 2022, Yugo signed an agreement with U.S. start-up Electra to acquire 12 of its in-development nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft. This is expected to enter service in 2028 and will be able to operate from strips as short as 150 feet.
As the primary technology innovator in the region, Singapore stands to play 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 Airlines Engineering.
In the meantime, Eve claims to be leading the field in terms of provisional eVTOL sales, holding commitments for 2,850 vehicles. 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 aircraft, which will feature 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.
Japanese Vertiports Group Seeks Air Traffic Management Support
Japanese vertiport development and management company Skyscape has selected Eve Air Mobility to provide its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system for the advanced air mobility operations concept advanced by the Japanese government. In another announcement made during the Singapore Airshow, Skyscape became the 13th customer for Eve's Urban ATM system and its sixth vertiport customer.
Eve designed Urban ATM to provide scalable urban air mobility services for air navigation service providers, urban authorities, fleet operators, and other stakeholders. Services include UAM flight coordination, vertiport automation, airside support, airspace flow management, and conformance management.
Under the agreement, Skyscape and Eve will collaborate on several fronts, including promoting UAM in Japan while testing the Urban ATM software. They aim to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft with a focus on vertiport design, operation certification, and future autonomous capabilities.
Skyscape uses a “building-block” approach to vertiport development with ready-made units to house various customizable elements for operations. The blocks use upcycled Conex containers and aluminum for quick setup and durability. Eve noted that it designed the approach to support a high number of co-located services.
“This agreement represents a key milestone for Eve as Skyscape becomes our first Urban ATM customer in Japan as we continue to grow our portfolio of vertiport customers around the world,” said David Rottblatt, v-p of sales and global affairs at Eve Air Mobility. “Japan has been very proactive and is a global leader in pursuing urban air mobility.”
Skyscape CEO Asa Quesenberry added that the agreement with Eve brings the company one step closer to making advanced air mobility operations a reality. “Our team at Skyscape is focused on developments that move the needle forward and get us closer to launching real AAM services.”
This story was updated on February 21 to add information about Eve's partnership with Skyscape.
