AutoFlight has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Whitesky Aviation covering an order for 60 V2000EM Prosperity electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the Indonesian market.

The Chinese advanced air mobility (AAM) manufacturer's agreement with Whitesky, an Indonesian aviation services provider with more than 14 years of helicopter operations experience, targets premium VIP air taxi services initially, with scope to expand into broader transportation and mobility applications.

Whitesky holds an Indonesian Air Operator Certificate and operates Cengkareng Heliport, the country's first commercial heliport, sited next to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Under the MoU, Whitesky will contribute local market knowledge, infrastructure and operational experience, supporting vertiport development, operating procedures, safety systems, technical support and personnel readiness, while AutoFlight supplies its eVTOL aircraft development and AAM technology expertise.

Denon Prawiraatmadja, founder of Whitesky Group, says: “For customers, the question is simple: does the journey become faster, more reliable and more convenient? If the answer is yes, then the technology has real value.”

Kellen Xie, senior vice president of AutoFlight, adds: “Indonesia is an important market in AutoFlight's global commercialisation journey. Together with Whitesky Aviation, we look forward to developing practical eVTOL applications that address real transportation needs and support the growth of advanced air mobility in Indonesia.”

The MoU builds on a run of eVTOL commitments by Whitesky. In July, the operator signed a letter of intent with China's Volant Aerotech for up to 60 VE25-100 aircraft at the International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in Shanghai, and it placed an order the previous August for up to 30 SD-05 aircraft from a Japanese eVTOL developer.