TBM Staff - Mumbai
Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) and Yugo Global Industries Pte. Ltd. (“Yugo”), a Singapore-based aviation company, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the potential for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and eVTOL flights in Southeast Asia.
Yugo, a private aviation network established by aviation experts, focuses on Southeast Asia and benefits from the support of partner Air Transport operators such as PhilJets and Helistar. Together, Eve and Yugo will concentrate on the infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations, including regulations, service center and vertiport capabilities, and ground handling.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Yugo to study and define the UAM ecosystem in Singapore and Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem.
Thierry Tea, Chairman of Yugo, emphasised the belief that Southeast Asian economies will significantly contribute to the development of the eVTOL and UAM industry. The collaboration with Eve will provide valuable insights into the essential requirements for regional air mobility development.
Eve has been actively involved in introducing Urban Air Mobility in the Asia Pacific region, working with key stakeholders across the region to build ecosystems and explore future operations in multiple countries.
As Southeast Asia’s aviation infrastructure advances, with the Philippines constructing the New Manila International Airport and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Techo International Airport set to open in 2025, these modern and sustainable airports are exploring charging stations and flight routes for flying taxis and electric jets. Singapore, as the first mover in Southeast Asia for UAM, can provide a template for further ecosystem development in the region.
Yugo’s commitment to regional eVTOL innovation includes Southeast Asian operators such as PhilJets in the Philippines and Helistar in Cambodia.
Eve has continued to develop its eVTOL aircraft, beginning construction of its full-scale prototype and scheduled to begin testing in 2024. With a lift+cruise design, eight lift rotors, and one push rotor, Eve’s eVTOL currently leads the industry with 2,850 orders and is set to enter service in 2026.
Eve will offer customers instant access to a worldwide network of service centers through its relationship with Embraer and is developing solutions to support its customers on Day 1, ranging from flight operations to data management and eVTOL health monitoring.
Bordais highlighted the importance of collaborations and agreements as a critical first step toward pursuing eVTOL flights and expressed excitement about working with Yugo and other key stakeholders.
