Chile-based rotary operator Ecocopter has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to start collaborating on the launch of urban air mobility services across various countries in Latin America. This is a major step toward the co-creation of a functioning urban air mobility ecosystem in the region.

The partners will explore and define launch scenarios for air mobility operations, notably in Ecuador, Chile and Peru. This includes joint activities to develop UAM operations over the continent, as well as ways to target first use cases and pilot cities and regions. Ecocopter operates a fleet primarily comprised of Airbus Helicopters for aerial work missions in a variety of industrial sectors.

Corporate CEO Marcelo Rajchman says: “With already 20 years of experience operating helicopters and five years operating drones, this partnership is a natural step for us. We seek to be a relevant player in the UAM ecosystem, and the projects we will develop together with Airbus will bring us closer to this goal.”

Airbus head of partnerships and strategy execution for UAM Balkiz Sarihan adds: “We are excited to extend our long standing relationship with Ecocopter. Together we are taking concrete steps in the co-creation of the UAM ecosystem and our decarbonisation roadmap. This partnership leverages Airbus' expertise in innovative vertical flight technologies and Ecocopter's extensive operational history and innovative culture.”

Established in 2003, Ecocopter is a reference in highly complex aerial work missions in South America. Its fleet of 16 H125s, two H135s and three H145s is characterised by its high versatility and performs missions ranging from offshore transport, mining support, medical evacuation, firefighting and almost the entire range of aerial work missions.