RIOgaleão, the operator of Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International airport, and Micaelis, a Brazil-based company that promotes, sells and supports existing air mobility products and services, are to conduct autonomous test flights of eVTOLs to and from the airport; design and install an integrated vertiport; and optimise the passenger and cargo journey between the airport terminal and the vertiport.

Not only does this agreement bring on the implementation of zero-emission air mobility solutions, aligning with global carbon reduction goals, but the integration of eVTOL services will significantly enhance the airport’s connectivity to the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. The companies will develop an app to manage passenger and cargo flows.

Alexandre Jose Guerra de Castro Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão, states: “This partnership reaffirms our commitment to transforming Galeão into a hub of innovation and sustainability, connecting Rio de Janeiro to the future of air mobility.”

Vincent Kieffer, co-CEO of Micaelis, adds: “We are thrilled to collaborate with RIOgaleão on this visionary project that will not only revolutionise urban transportation but also set new standards for sustainable aviation in Brazil and beyond.”

They will collaborate initially for 24 months.