UAE accelerates electric air mobility with K2 and partners at Dubai Airshow 2025

Abu Dhabi-based K2, a government-owned company that specializes in sophisticated autonomous systems and AI tech, has recently teamed up with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group and Multi Level Group. This partnership is pretty significant, it’s aimed at speeding up the rollout and development of the Autocraft E20+ passenger aircraft within the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced air mobility in the UAE.

The news broke during the Dubai Airshow 2025, which underlines just how big of a move this is, kind of a big step toward realizing the country’s ambitions in this field. It’s also a clear indication of the UAE’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and future-focused tech in civil aviation. Plus, this collaboration fits neatly into the national agenda led by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, focusing heavily on building a sustainable, high-tech transport infrastructure.

What’s especially notable is how K2’s involvement highlights its leadership in developing next-gen autonomous mobility solutions. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Multi Level bring a wealth of complementary expertise, covering operational experience, technical know-how, and strategic infrastructure management. The plan? They’ll work together to manage all aspects of the Autocraft E20+, including operational readiness, regulatory approval, pilot training, maintenance, and coordination with eventually-outfitted vertiports, these being a vital part of making urban air transport a reality.

The E20+ is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, purpose-built for safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly passenger transport. Rolling out this aircraft really signals the UAE’s dedication to modernizing travel, both within the cities and beyond, by integrating cutting-edge electric aviation tech into a comprehensive advanced air mobility system.

Mahmoud Alhay Alhamali, CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, called the partnership a milestone for shaping the future of UAE’s air mobility scene. He talked about testing the Autocraft E20+ and emphasized how it reflects their commitment to creating a safe, scalable, and sustainable air travel ecosystem. He also pointed out how important it is to blend global innovation with local capabilities, ensuring the UAE remains a leader in smart, clean, and forward-thinking aviation.

Mohamed Salah, CEO of Multi Level Group, saw the collaboration as a dynamic, complementary move that boosts the UAE’s position at the forefront of advanced air mobility. He mentioned that the E20+ represents the next chapter in secure, efficient, and eco-friendly passenger transport in the region.

Waleed Al Balushi, K2’s VP of Strategy, emphasized that this partnership showcases the UAE’s ambitions to lead globally in advanced air mobility. He noted, too, that the goal is to build a safe, scalable transport system that’s ready for passenger use. And he pointed out that the E20+ is part of a broader national program aimed at redefining how people move around in the UAE, kind of pushing toward a new era of aerial travel.

Adding to the excitement, K2 demonstrated a futuristic vertiport concept at the Dubai Airshow. Visitors could explore a luxurious vertiport environment where they interacted with autonomous tech, simulating booking and preparing for flights, even though no actual flights took place during the event. Sean Teo, K2’s Managing Director, highlighted how urban mobility is in a transformative phase and how eVTOL aircraft are pivotal in reshaping transport networks.

This development is part of a larger regional and global trend toward sustainable urban air mobility, addressing challenges like traffic congestion and environmental concerns. By fostering collaborations among high-tech firms and seasoned aviation operators, the UAE is shaping itself as a leader in the emerging electric and autonomous air travel market.

The scope of the partnership is pretty comprehensive, covering operations, regulations, pilot training, maintenance, and infrastructure development. These elements are crucial to smoothly integrating eVTOL aircraft into current aviation systems. Building vertiport infrastructure will be essential for seamless urban-to-suburban flights and long-distance travel.

All in all, this collaboration between K2, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Multi Level clearly signals the UAE’s eagerness to adopt and pioneer cutting-edge aviation tech within its broader transport strategy. It’s a clear example of leveraging public-private collaboration to forge a smarter, greener, and more efficient future for air mobility. And interestingly enough, it’s being watched closely worldwide as a potential model for advanced air mobility systems in other countries, too.

Source: Noah Wire Services