BERLIN – Airbus and Munich Airport International signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the ILA Berlin Air Show to start selling turnkey solutions to cities and regions interested in developing advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystems worldwide.
Airbus is developing CityAirbus NextGento be electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, along with the main support and service offerings surrounding it, while Munich Airport offers ground infrastructure services and solutions.
“Munich Airport International is already working with Airbus on the Air Mobility Initiative recently launched in Munich – now we are expanding that partnership globally to support selected cities and regions around the world,” said Ivonne Kuger, Executive VP Corporate Development MAI . “As Europe’s first five-star airport, Munich Airport has always been at the forefront of innovation and it is vital that airports are actively involved in developing and paving the way for this new form of transport,” added Kuger.
“AAM’s market, industry and ultimate service development requires a holistic view and this has been our approach from the start. In addition to our decades of development, certification and support of vehicles and technology, we are actively building working ecosystems with our partners,” said Balkiz Sarihan, Head of UAM Partnerships and Strategy Execution at Airbus. “We are confident that our partnership with Munich Airport will be an important catalyst for accelerating the development of AAM ecosystems worldwide.”
The successful integration of the different AAM elements requires strong collaboration between global and local stakeholders who combine key competencies. The goal is to create completely new ecosystems that ensure a safe and seamless integration of eVTOL solutions with other forms of mobility that add value to cities and communities.
In September 2021, the company unveiled its all-electric eVTOL prototype, CityAirbus NextGen. Airbus is developing an AAM solution with eVTOLs not only to offer a new mobility service, but also as an important step in its drive to reduce aviation emissions across its product range. The company recently announced the launch of the Air Mobility Initiative, a consortium of partners committed to advancing AAM in Bavaria and Germany.