Made in UAE electric air taxis to take flight in 2027
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The US-based aviation firm and developer of hybrid-electric aircraft for regional distances and short-haul ‘air taxi’ routes, Odys Aviation, announced on Friday the launch of its operations in the UAE.
The Ministry of Economy revealed that the company has officially joined the NextGen FDI programme, a government initiative launched in 2022 to support innovative businesses in high-potential sectors to seamlessly establish and expand their operations in the country.
Odys Aviation specialises in the production of hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, designed for passengers, cargo, and emergency operations.
Moreover, the aircraft can deliver all-electric propulsion for distances of up to 320 kilometres, with a hybrid-electric range exceeding 1,200 kilometres, offering up to 76% fewer carbon emissions in air travel across the GCC, and a zero-carbon travel alternative within the UAE.
The start-up plans to unveil a full-scale prototype of the planned air taxi by 2025, with the aircraft expected to enter service in 2027.
Why does it matter?
Under the NextGen FDI programme, Odys Aviation will establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, incorporating a high-volume assembly and maintenance facility.
The strategic move is set to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the UAE and mark the export of the first aircraft manufactured under the “Made in the UAE” certification.
“The new partnership with Odys Aviation marks another important milestone in the UAE’s journey to create a knowledge-based economy, powered by innovation,” the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said, emphasizing that the country sees “significant opportunities” for the operation of Odys aircraft across the UAE in civilian, cargo and civil defence activities.
Al Zeyoudi further noted that the country aims to develop a new sustainable, low-carbon aviation sector, from clean energy air travel through to advanced manufacturing and research and development capabilities.
On his part, Odys Aviation CEO, James Dorris, expressed enthusiasm for establishing a presence in the UAE, a country he describes as “the perfect market.”
“By bringing Odys to the UAE, we aim to partner with the existing strong aviation sector and leverage local supply chain opportunities.— Our aircraft will also mean brand new opportunities for domestic air connectivity in the UAE and regional flying between key GCC cities, cutting door-to-door times in half compared to conventional travel options today, and doing so in a carbon-friendly way,” he added.
To date, Odys has received pre-orders for over 1,200 aircraft from operators and airlines worldwide.
Source: Aviation Business