DHL Supply Chain and Eve Air Mobility have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct “a study of key demands and supply chain characteristics for Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) operation”.
The study will investigate how essential components for repairs and maintenance can be distributed in the most efficient way possible. A key focus will be the transportation, storage, and disposal of batteries that power the aircraft.
In addition, the companies will investigate how supply chain management can be optimised for the transportation of general supplies to vertiports, areas from which the eVTOL aircraft can take off and land.
Mauricio Almeida, Vice President of Automotive, Technology, and Consumer at DHL Supply Chain, commented: “We are very excited about the opportunity to shape the future of mobility with Eve Air Mobility. Initiatives like this are part of our ESG mission, and we are contributing all our knowledge and experience to make this another great successful project developed by the Brazilian aerospace industry, with benefits for major cities around the world.”
Luiz Mauad, Eve’s Vice President of Services and Operations Solutions, added: “We are transforming urban air mobility, which also brings logistical challenges. DHL’s expertise in this field – in the aeronautical market and dozens of other industries – coupled with the innovation mindset of both companies, will be vital to ensure the safe and agile operation of eVTOLs.”
“In addition to offering high-performance logistics, our premise is to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain in line with our purpose of offering more sustainable products and services.”
The eVTOLS designed by Eve are 100% electric and, according to the company, produce up to 80% less CO₂ emissions than cars. Upon launch, the aircraft will be piloted but plans are in place for autonomous operations in future, increasing the passenger capacity from four to six.
Eve expects its first eVTOLs to be in operation from 2026.
Developments in air mobility are not limited to purely passenger applications. Recent projects have seen the development of aircraft ranging from drones to airships as companies seek to find new ways to take advantage of the skies for logistics purposes.
For more on the use of drones within the logistics industry, check out this feature from the August issue of Logistics Manager Magazine!
