Kenya Airways is gearing up to enter the advanced air mobility sector by initiating tests of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft starting in 2025. The trials will be conducted through its unmanned aviation division, Fahari Aviation, which was established to explore emerging technologies and alternative aviation services. According to Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, the national carrier is actively planning for the future of transportation, with a specific focus on supporting urban air mobility solutions from 2025 onwards.
This initiative is part of a broader vision by Kenya Airways to diversify its operations and embrace innovation in the rapidly evolving aviation sector. In August of the previous year, Fahari Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. The partnership is centered on developing a functional eVTOL ecosystem in Kenya, including the operational integration of these next-generation aircraft into the country’s airspace.
Eve Air Mobility, which specializes in designing and manufacturing electric aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing, is collaborating closely with Fahari Aviation to tailor its autonomous eVTOL vehicles to meet Kenya’s specific operational requirements. This includes assessing aspects such as urban infrastructure, airspace regulations, and local mobility needs. The goal is to create an efficient, sustainable transportation network that can provide seamless first- and last-mile connectivity between key city locations and major airports.
Fahari Aviation is already involved in various unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations. The division was created by Kenya Airways to explore new revenue-generating opportunities outside of traditional commercial aviation. In addition to its involvement with eVTOL technology, Fahari offers a wide range of drone-related services. These include training programs for drone pilots, as well as drone applications in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure inspection, aerial mapping, surveillance, emergency response, and cargo transportation.
With the planned introduction of eVTOL testing, Kenya Airways is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable and technologically advanced aviation solutions. The project reflects the airline’s commitment to innovation and its desire to shape the future of mobility in Kenya and across the African continent.
