Flying Vehicles Planned for Fiji Islands

Odys Aviation, which makes hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, agreed to provide flying vehicles to Fiji Airways to carry medical supplies and cargo to the Fiji Islands.

The companies signed an expression of interest (EOI) letter for Fiji to use the Odys runway-independent flying vehicles to help connect all of Fiji’s 330 islands.

The Odys Aviation Laila VTOL can carry cargo up to 400 miles providing the potential to open new emergency medical routes in the South Pacific that are inaccessible due to infrastructure challenges. 

The Laila VTOL also would allow Fiji Airways to contract with logistics and government agencies to support operations across the region.

“This partnership will do more than just expand Fiji Airways’ commercial operations for today; it will drive our investment in the future of travel and lifestyle for the people of Fiji as well,” said Andre Viljoen, CEO of Fiji Airways.

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Odys, founded in 2019 and based in Long Beach, California, is developing VTOL vehicles that use hybrid-electric propulsion systems comprising conventional gas turbines and all-electric battery VTOL. 

The vehicle is designed to carry nine passengers and two pilots.

Related:Honeywell, Odys Aviation Collaborate for Drones in Mideast

Odys Aviation and Honeywell recently announced a joint venture to design ground control stations to support the Odys Laila drone expected to launch next year as another example of Odys teaming with other companies.

“Our philosophy at Odys is to work in partnership with our customers and the regions in which they operate to deliver value beyond just aircraft,” James Dorris, CEO and co-founder of Odys Aviation. “We’re thrilled to announce this EOI as the start of our collaboration with Fiji Airways and we’re looking forward to working with their team, the local authorities and the people of Fiji to drive the transition to sustainable aviation, and to realize the benefits of a more connected ecosystem across the region.”

Odys and Honeywell signed an agreement to support the rollout of drone operations in the Middle East and Pacific, with Honeywell providing ground control station technology beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations for the Odys unmanned aerial vehicle.