Airbus joins forces with LCI for the creation of advanced urban air transportation networks
Airbus and LCI, an aviation company, have announced a collaboration agreement to develop ecosystems for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This strategic alliance focuses on ecosystem and business development tailored to advanced urban air transport solutions like CityAirbus NextGen, providing a foundation for scaling AAM services through viable market and partnership frameworks.
Balkiz Sarihan, CEO and Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, expressed excitement about the collaboration with LCI. "We are thrilled to be partnering with LCI to drive the development of Advanced Air Mobility," she said. Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, expressed similar sentiments, expressing delight about the new partnership with Airbus.
The collaboration emphasizes building business frameworks and ecosystem development rather than solely on the technical development of vehicles. LCI works with Airbus to explore how AAM can be integrated into urban environments at a commercial and strategic level, supporting innovations like CityAirbus NextGen within a broader market context.
CityAirbus NextGen, the vehicle being developed by Airbus as part of its Advanced Air Mobility projects, was assembled and powered on at the end of 2023. The next phase in its development process is a test campaign, which will make use of Airbus' new AAM test centre in Donauwörth, Germany.
The partners will support the development of new AAM solutions. They will conduct industry research and harness data analytics to understand new applications and missions. In addition, they will evaluate new commercial structures in areas including fleet, battery, and charging network solutions.
Airbus is currently expanding its global network and partnerships to create a unique ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility. The company is working towards fostering a successful and viable AAM market through its expanding network and partnerships. To this end, Airbus is exploring innovative leasing and finance solutions for potential customers of CityAirbus NextGen.
LCI has agreed to become a key financial partner for Airbus' Advanced Air Mobility projects focused on specific mission types, including emergency medical services. LCI's financial involvement will leverage its network to aid global take up and acceptance of Airbus' AAM projects.
The broader goals of the collaboration include the development of partnership scenarios and business models in three core AAM areas: strategy, commercialization, and financing. This collaboration aims to establish market perspectives and forecasts specific to AAM, including initiatives related to CityAirbus NextGen.
The Clean Aviation projects, which aim at disruptive aircraft technologies—such as hybrid-electric propulsion systems—to facilitate new aircraft concepts ready for commercialization circa 2035, form part of the contextual details from Airbus and AAM ecosystem efforts. CityAirbus NextGen fits into these innovation-driven approaches towards low-emission urban air mobility solutions.
In conclusion, the partnership between Airbus and LCI is a significant step towards the development and commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility solutions. The collaboration will provide a foundation for scaling AAM services through viable market and partnership frameworks, ultimately contributing to the creation of a sustainable and efficient urban air mobility ecosystem.
The collaboration between Airbus and LCI extends beyond technical vehicle development, delving into strategic business frameworks and ecosystem development for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Airbus, with LCI's financial backing, is exploring innovative leasing and finance solutions for potential customers of CityAirbus NextGen in the finance sector.
Together, Airbus and LCI are focusing on partnership scenarios and business models within strategy, commercialization, and financing, aiming to establish market perspectives and forecasts specific to AAM initiatives like CityAirbus NextGen. This partnership is also investigating new commercial structures in various sectors such as fleet, battery, and charging network solutions, contributing to the development of a broader AAM market.
