Embraer-backed air taxi developer Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions has launched a collaboration with Kenya Airways to develop a market for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in that African country. Eve, headquartered at Embraer’s Melbourne, Florida facility, will support Fahari Aviation, the unmanned aircraft systems division of the Kenyan flag carrier, Embraer says on 11 August. The goal is to develop “a sustainable, accessible, and affordable transportation option” that could cut travel times 90% on routes such as between airports and city centres. “This partnership will also allow Fahari Aviation to support Eve’s aircraft and product development process, which will help guide the integration of [urban air mobility] with Kenya Airways’ overall operations,” Embraer says. “With our aircraft and aerospace services backing and Kenya Airways’ innovative approach to air mobility, we are enthusiastic about opening this region to more sustainable and community-friendly air access for all,” says Andre Stein, Eve CE. The companies did not give a timeframe for the project, but Eve has previously said expects its eVTOL to be in commercial operation by 2026.<br/>
sky
Garuda Indonesia has shrunk its management to reduce costs as the airline restructures its way out of a pandemic-driven financial crunch. Garuda now has only six directors, removing the position of vice president director and merging services and business development director with commercial and cargo director, President Director Irfan Setiaputra said in a press conference after an annual shareholders’ meeting on Friday. The management changes come on the back of efforts to restructure 70t rupiah ($4.9b) of debt and renegotiate contracts with aircraft lessors. The company previously offered early retirement to its workers to reduce costs. “Considering from time to time we always streamline the number of employees, we also have to streamline the board of directors,” said Setiaputra. “This for sure will create complications, but we are ready to face them.”<br/>
Korean Air lifted its Q2 operating profit 31% to W197b ($174m) on the back of a record performance from its cargo business. Revenue grew 16% year on year to W1.95t, of which W1.5t was cargo revenue, says the carrier. It notes that cargo had a record quarter, beating the previous record of W1.4t in Q4 2020. The airline’s passenger business, however, remained challenged amid the coronavirus pandemic. Korean says it is working to offset this through domestic services to the island of Jeju as well as international charter flights. “Many uncertainties surround the air cargo market in the second half of the year, as worldwide vaccination rates increase and fear of COVID-19 variants spreads,” says Korean. “However, cargo demand for IT and e-commerce will stay strong due to the recovering economy and boost in companies’ restocking needs. Korean Air will continue to maximize its profit by utilizing its freighters and cargo-only passenger aircraft throughout its strong global network.” Korean expects passenger demand to remain “sluggish” in H2 2021, and notes that it is difficult to predict any recovery.<br/>