World’s first self-flying taxi successfully takes off in Dubai


Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Sep 26: After the driverless metro, Dubai may soon have self-flying air taxis.

The concept of Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT), the world’s first self-flying taxi service was successfully showcased near the Jumeirah Beach Park in Dubai on Monday, September 25.

The two-seater Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT) developed by German drone firm Volocopter is capable of transporting people without human intervention or a pilot.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai who witnessed the maiden test flight said "This is another testament to our commitment to driving positive change. We are constantly exploring opportunities to serve the community and advance the prosperity and happiness of society.”

The service will be operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Powered by clean electricity, and featuring low noise levels, the AAT is an environmentally friendly vehicle, according to RTA. Its current prototype version has a maximum flight time of approximately 30 minutes at a cruise speed of 50km/h, and a maximum airspeed of 100km/h.

Once implemented, RTA’s AATs will be integrated with the emirate’s existing public transport systems, including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and marine transit vehicles. They will be made available to the public through a smart mobility app, which will enable users to book flights, receive booking reference details, and track flying taxis’ routes.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the AAT has "top security and safety standards". "It is also fitted with optional emergency parachutes, nine independent battery systems, and a battery quick-charge and plug-in system."

During the next five years, RTA will collaborate with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) to set out the operational requirements for the implementation of AAT services. This process will involve the development of laws and policies to govern the certification of aircraft and AAT operations within the emirate and at a federal level. Aerial routes and corridors will also be defined, and take-off and landing points will be designed and located.

RTA has appointed US-based autonomous air-vehicle safety firm, JDA Aviation Company, to oversee preparations for, and manage the safety of, AAT flights.

  

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Comment on this article

  • NISHAR, Mangalore / KUWAIT

    Wed, Sep 27 2017

    It could have different INDIA by now if Kingdom like Dubai ruled it. An Amazing leadership, Great Visions...
    The Job of Government is to create the environment in which people can achieve their happiness, Yes, The Governments job is to create happiness. _ His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelly, Karla

    Wed, Sep 27 2017

    Great achievement Shaikh Mohd.... Thanks our creator we had Congress for last 70years in India amd we are ahead in the world for Technology ... Or otherwise we had to ride on Gau or Buffalo...

    Under Chaiwala's GOBER..NMENT our brothers forgot their elderly parents and are behind saving Gau Matha... Hope they don't invade my beautiful Mangaluru... Let us live in peace......

    DisAgree [6] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • vivek, hirebyle / abu dhabi

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Indians who vastly coming to Gulf country for visit .....where go their Patriotic feelings ....why not explore places in India....make in India...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelly, Karla

    Wed, Sep 27 2017

    Sorry... Our central GOBER MENT is controlled by GUJJU Mafia... They already fooled North India and trying their second term in Karnataka.... I wish they will not have 3 chief ministers in 3years in queue even if they try to invade this time..... JAILYURAPPA JAI....

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D SOUZA, Attavar, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    In Dubai its O.K Still it will take India time of 500 years to provide such facilities. We have everywhere electrical poles, wires and what not ? Is there any extra engine for this self flying taxi?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Beowulf, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 27 2017

    J.F.D SOUZA,

    This is basically a drone that can carry people. They usually have 4 motors. But the one in the picture has 12 i suppose.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh, Dubai

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    we paid tax from 70year in india Neharu family propety dubled, chidambara sons business expanded, robot vadra real easte boosted, niddanna donated excess money to high command but taxpayer still paying tax . forget about flying taxi just check bangalore metro wether it connected to bus line..

    DisAgree [37] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shiva, Kudla

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Anna first come to bangalore rather than sitting and commenting . Do you know bangalore is no one in IT hub

    DisAgree [9] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Bangalore became a IT Hub because there was huge wage difference between US & india and the product was transfereferable with very less cost. India had huge manpower and this helped us a lot. most Indians do low end IT Jobs. with the advent of Automation in these areas the Industry has lost its shine.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peddendra M, Delhi

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Why cant we think of electric bullock cart which can be made flying also. And the dung can be reused in Engines.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Udupi

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    ROFL

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    The futuristic cutting edge technologies will make many people loose their Jobs. While the western world, europe, china, Israel will be leaders in technology. The rest of Asia & Africa will be only consumers of these technologies. The Risk is these countries may enslave poverty stricken countries in Asia. Asians are fast breeders and will be major contributors to worlds population. When i read about Robotics & automation in the net, it looks really scary on employment front. How can we provide employment to the huge population. There are large number of CAB drivers in westerns countries who are of Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi origin. Google have allready developed protos of driverless Cars. It will be a matter of time for those to operate in western countries. What will be the fate of these drivers. This is only an example Automation is likely to come in every sphere. We have to be alert and cope with this.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    @Rajesh mangalore,dont worry,not all can fly in air.in Future there will be also less place in air.Only people with money can fly in air normal people have to use the normal way.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bennaje, Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 27 2017

    Rajesh ji.... are you not aware that scores of our current ministers claimed that we invented the flying machine 1000 years before the west? We are still living in 1000 year old glory which has no roots. For India to become an international force to reckon with, let us be responsible first, put our house in order and win the world. From what I have seen in the last 3 years, I think, it will take another 500 years to reach real modernization. Till then, we can fly on Cow matha and use dung as the rocket fuel or float on the gas released by crores of cows roaming every nook and corner of India.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    We can save on fuel import if all the cowdung is used to make Gobbargas and supply to public for domestic use. Some relief finally.
    Some scientist had proposed even cow urine for treating deceases.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rigid, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Indian government is busy building cow shalas :D

    DisAgree [8] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammed, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    One king one rule ...No opposition No arguments... This is how it should be...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    "PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI MAY GO TO DUBAI AND BUY ONE FOR US"
    To ferry/transport injured Cows ?

    DisAgree [19] Agree [76] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Three years of BJP rule & achievements
    Next term will bring utter disappointment
    Public should support BJ to form government

    DisAgree [34] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHRSITINE, MANGALORE

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI MAY GO TO DUBAI AND BUY ONE FOR US.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    India is introducing Bullet train.
    We are going to do away with the bullock carts & human driven rickshaws soon.
    Do you think any where in the World they have a care centre and shelter for abondened Cows?

    DisAgree [17] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cyril, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    Wow..
    Look at world..!!
    See in India..??

    DisAgree [16] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • munna a h, nitte karla

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    This taxi is very small, We are coming up with big bullet train.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mayuresh, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    In India people are busy interfering in others personal business.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lester, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 26 2017

    In India people are not bothered about their wives, can you expect them to think about India.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: World’s first self-flying taxi successfully takes off in Dubai



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