By Juliet Akoth
Nairobi, Kenya: Industry leaders and innovators from Africa and across the globe gathered in Nairobi on Wednesday this week for the inaugural Africa Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium. The two-day event hosted by Fahari Aviation, a Kenya Airways subsidiary, explored AAM’s transformative potential in addressing Africa’s transportation challenges and unlocking new economic opportunities.
The discussions focused on the practical implementation of AAM solutions, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOLs) aircraft—commonly known as flying taxis—and drone technology. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize logistics, healthcare, and urban mobility across the continent. Designed to take off and land vertically like helicopters, eVTOLs promise quieter, cleaner, and more efficient transportation, especially in densely populated urban environments.
Kenya Airways has long envisioned launching flying taxis as part of its business diversification strategy, with initial plans targeting a 2025 rollout. However, due to various delays, the airline is now aiming to acquire 20 flying taxis and launch operations in Kenya by 2028.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the broader impact of AAM technology. “These initiatives are not just about technology, they represent our dedication to creating a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future. This symposium serves as a testament to our commitment to innovation and leadership in the aviation sector,” he stated. He further stressed that collaboration among governments, regulators, airlines, and technology providers is crucial in building a comprehensive ecosystem that ensures safety, and human dignity.
However, Kilavuka acknowledged the significant investments required for AAM adoption in Africa. As a novel technology, AAM demands extensive funding to drive partnerships and accelerate its integration into the transport industry, which has long been plagued by infrastructure and productivity challenges. Limited aviation networks across the continent have constrained mobility, and AAM could provide a much-needed breakthrough.
The CEO remains optimistic, describing AAM as a game-changer for African governments seeking to advance development and tap into a rapidly growing market. “Advanced air mobility presents one way to bring African governments to change the game and solve problems for the continent,” he said, adding that the AAM market is projected to reach approximately one trillion dollars by 2040.
Fahari Aviation’s General Manager, Hawkins Musili, echoed these statements, underscoring the need for regulatory and infrastructural refinements to support AAM integration into existing transport systems. “What we want to see is the infrastructure required to enable this, including traffic management systems that will allow us to incorporate this new technology into existing air space and ensure everybody operates securely and safely. The other aspects of infrastructure involve landing and takeoff requirements, particularly enabling charging facilities,” Musili explained.
Regulatory considerations were also at the forefront of discussions. Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Transport, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that AAM technologies are implemented without disrupting the ecological balance. “We are dedicated to fast-tracking regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, and developing a skilled workforce to support AAM adoption. This is a strategic priority for Kenya, and we are ready to lead the way,” Daghar stated.
He further pointed out that while global aviation regulators such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have established certification guidelines for eVTOLs, Africa must develop tailored regulations that address its unique sustainability challenges.
With the right combination of innovation, policy support, and sustainability-driven investment, Africa has the potential to become a global leader in clean, and efficient air mobility.
