Chinese hover taxis to take flight in Dubai

EditorAi Yan

Hailing an unmanned aerial cab to go to work, a scenario that currently only exists in movies, may become a reality within months in Dubai.

The city's transport authorities announced on Monday that they had tested an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) developed by a Chinese company and were expected to launch it for an unmanned hover-taxi service by July.

The Ehang 184 AAV made its appearance in Las Vegas, US in 2016. /CFP Photo

The AAV, produced by China's Ehang Company, was on display at the fifth World Government Summit held in Dubai from February 12 to 14.

With an egg-shaped futurist appearance, the Ehang 184 is said to be the world’s first AAV for transporting people. The vehicle's cabin has been designed to fit only one person. Passengers can select their destination on the touchscreen in front of the seat and the AAV will take off automatically.

Interior of the Ehang 184 AAV in Las Vegas, US in 2016. /CFP Photo

The AAV is equipped with eight propellers, which will help ensure a secure flight. Weighing about 250 kilograms, it can fly up to 30 minutes at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The standard speed should be 100 kilometers per hour, according to Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

Dubai has set a strategic goal in transportation, aiming to transform 25 percent of its total individual trips into unmanned intelligent ones by 2030. The successful trial of the Ehang 184 was considered a big step towards that goal, as well as towards solving the city’s traffic problem, said Al Tayer.