Titan Mobility, a regional air cargo and mobility network for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) claims it is building ‘railways’ in the sky to reach everyone and everywhere by utilising hybrid eVTOL (heVTOL) aircraft to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints.
The challenge is a lack of transportation infrastructure within and across key economic regions in Africa. For example, it costs about $4,000 to ship a 40ft container 12,000 km from Shanghai in China to Lagos in Nigeria, but it costs about $3500 to move the same container from Apapa Port to Lagos in Nigeria.
A big part of the challenge is directly linked to poor transportation and logistics infrastructure. The uncertainty of sales in local farmers’ markets requires transportation to the capital and urban areas.
According to the World Food Programme, food loss and waste is estimated to be around 1.3 billion tons per year, which is about one-third of all food produced for human consumption. Efficient transportation could save over 400 Billion Tonnes of food annually.
Launched in June 2023, Titan Air Mobility evolved from over a decade of design, flying, prototyping, and experimentation, having gathered talent from Nigeria, the US, the UK, Italy, and Bangladesh.
The company has a three-part business model that includes AAM technologies for electric and hybrid powertrains for mid and long range eVTOLs, vertiport infrastructure including drone ports, charging stations and AI-powered air traffic control, and operating the largest network of regional cargo and mobility systems powered by green and sustainable energy.
It is running simulations for the deployment of 50 cargo drones and 10 Vertiports per country in seven countries in Africa with Hexi Solo, the electric variant designed for a 300 kg payload at a range of 300 km.
The goal is to hold to the most stringent requirements of EASA and FAA while exploring the unique regulatory landscape of Africa for opportunities, with a cargo-first approach to minimise risk.
Similarly, Limosa is another company looking to enter the AAM market that aims to revolutionise the transportation system and make it safe, fast and easier for everyone to travel.
