ITA Airways and Airbus to Explore Development of UAM Solutions in Italy

(28 April 2022, 11:56 +07)  ITA Airways is working with Airbus on the development of urban air mobility (UAM) solutions in Italy.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the creation of tailored UAM services, by identifying strategic use cases for emission-free mobility solutions.

The agreement foresees a joint approach toward local mobility stakeholders in order to onboard additional partners for the safe and sustainable launch of operations with the CityAirbus NextGen electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, currently in development.

ITA Airways is working with Airbus on the development of urban air mobility (UAM) solutions in Italy

“The partnership between ITA Airways and Airbus started with the evolution toward more modern, more comfortable and environmentally-friendly commercial aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technologies,” said Alfredo Altavilla, Chairman of ITA Airways. “With this agreement, our partnership expands to the segment of urban air mobility for a wider, customer-centric, innovative and sustainable offer for our customers.” 

CityAirbus NextGen is a fully electric vehicle equipped with fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers. It is designed to carry up to four passengers - including a pilot - in zero-emission flights.

CityAirbus NextGen is being developed to fly with an 80 km operational range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h.

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, said, “This agreement is testimony to the strong relationship between Airbus and ITA Airways. It is an opportunity to leverage our shared ambition – pioneering sustainable aerospace – and advance new air mobility solutions for zero-emission vertical flight in support of our cities and communities later this decade.”

ITA Airways was created in 2021, with sustainability as one of the fundamental pillars of its business plan. The Italian airline recently ordered 28 aircraft from Airbus, including seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos. The A350 will also join the company’s fleet this summer.