Volant Aviation Signs Historic Agreement with Thai Company for 500 Aircraft

In a landmark development for China's emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry, Volant Aviation has secured a $1.75 billion order for 500 of its VE25-100 Tianxing eVTOL aircraft, marking the largest international order for Chinese high-grade passenger eVTOLs to date.

The agreement was signed on July 23 at the inaugural International Advanced Air Mobility Expo (IAAME). The three-party agreement involves Volant Aviation, Thailand's Pan Pacific Co., Ltd., and China Aviation Technology International Engineering Company (CATIC Engineering).

According to the terms, Pan Pacific will deploy the 500 aircraft for short-distance island transportation services and emergency rescue operations in Thailand, the Maldives, and other regions. CATIC Engineering will provide low-altitude infrastructure support throughout countries along China's "Belt and Road" initiative.

Pan Pacific Chairman Vorachart Petnunthawong stated at the signing ceremony: "Our corporate mission is to restructure infrastructure through cutting-edge technology. The multi-island geography of Thailand and the Maldives is perfectly suited for eVTOL aircraft to enhance efficient travel for residents. We chose Volant because the Tianxing model offers superior safety standards, spacious cabin design, strong commercial payload capacity, and low operational costs."

The VE25-100 Tianxing features a composite wing configuration and can transport up to six passengers with a range of 200-400 kilometres, making it the most versatile high-grade passenger eVTOL product of its kind in China. The aircraft is designed for urban/intercity short-distance commuting, business charter flights, emergency rescue, medical transport, and low-altitude cargo delivery.

Huang Xiaofei, Volant's Partner and Senior Vice President, emphasised that successful commercialisation of eVTOL technology requires careful consideration of application scenarios. "Overseas markets need to be evaluated based on population density and geographical characteristics to properly plan infrastructure and route deployment," said Huang. He added that the partnership will focus on pilot training, maintenance infrastructure, and vertiport development to ensure Chinese eVTOL technology creates genuine transportation value abroad.

Gao Lei, Deputy General Manager of CATIC Engineering, noted that the company proposed an "Air Silk Road" international cooperation project in 2017, aimed at promoting collaborative development of aviation industries in countries along the Belt and Road through civil aircraft exports, airport construction, and aviation transport network planning. He expressed hope that this cooperation would establish Southeast Asia as a bridgehead for Chinese eVTOL technology to expand internationally.