Latest news with #BadrAlOlama
ARN News Center
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ARN News Center
Watch: Abu Dhabi hosts test flight of pilotless air taxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a major leap into the future of transportation with a successful public test flight of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOL. The demonstration, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), was conducted in partnership with EHang and Multi Level Group. The autonomous flight showcased the EH216-S, the world's first certified pilotless two-seater eVTOL, designed for safe, zero-emission urban mobility. The aircraft's performance in Abu Dhabi's hot climate validated key technologies including airspace coordination and vertiport operations, under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority. Officials say this marks a pivotal step toward integrating air taxis into everyday life, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for innovation and intelligent transport. EHang also announced plans to establish regional operations in the emirate, including a final assembly line and support facilities. Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO called the flight a symbol of Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in next-generation mobility, diversify its economy, and build homegrown capabilities. The latest demonstration lays the groundwork for future commercial deployment of urban air mobility in the UAE. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARN News Centre (@arnnewscentre)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Driverless flying taxi in UAE soon? Watch Abu Dhabi conduct test flight over Marina
Abu Dhabi tests the EHang EH216-S autonomous flying taxi, a two-seater eVTOL, above the Marina from the Cruise Terminal helipad/ Image:X Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in air mobility, showcasing its forward-thinking vision for the future with the successful public demonstration of an autonomous flying taxi test flight. The test, a milestone in the development of urban air mobility, was held in the heart of the capital and captured on video for public viewing. The 50-second video clip, released by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) on Friday, presents the flying taxi soaring above the Abu Dhabi Marina, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation. The autonomous flying taxi, a fully electric, driverless vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, took off from the helipad at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. While the exact duration of the flight wasn't disclosed, ADIO emphasized that the test flight aimed to assess the efficiency and operational capabilities of these futuristic vehicles in real-world conditions. A Major Step Toward Integrating Urban Air Mobility The flight, which was conducted in partnership with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), ADIO, Chinese technology firm EHang, and Multi Level Group (MLG), is seen as a pivotal step toward making urban air mobility a part of everyday life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo ADIO highlighted that the test flight served as a platform for validating key technologies necessary for the successful operation of flying taxis, including hot-weather performance specific to Abu Dhabi's extreme climate, airspace coordination, and route planning. 'Conducted under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flight provided live proof of the regulatory, operational and infrastructure frameworks essential for safely scaling this new mode of transport,' ADIO said in a statement. Badr Al Olama, Director-General at ADIO, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "We are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport." The EHang EH216‑S: A Glimpse Into the Future of Air Travel The flying taxi used in the demonstration was the EHang EH216-S, a two-seater, fully autonomous eVTOL aircraft that is being hailed as the world's first certified, pilotless flying taxi. The aircraft features a unique design with eight arms equipped with 16 propellers, each powered by a dual-motor system. This design results in a total of 32 independent electric motors that contribute to the aircraft's efficient vertical take-off and landing capabilities. One of the key features of the EH216-S is its redundancy systems, which ensure that even if one motor or system fails, backup systems will immediately take over, ensuring safety and operational continuity. EHang claims that this high level of redundancy is essential for enhancing the operational safety of the flying taxi. According to ADIO, the flying taxi is specifically designed for urban environments, ideal for short-distance connections, sightseeing, and tourism. With no need for traditional runways, and operating with minimal noise, the EH216-S aligns perfectly with the vision for future cities, where compact and efficient modes of transportation will be essential. A Bright Future for Air Mobility in Abu Dhabi EHang's plans for the future in Abu Dhabi extend beyond just showcasing flying taxis. The Chinese company has confirmed its intention to establish regional operations in the emirate, including a final assembly line and support facilities. This development aligns with Abu Dhabi's ambitions to be at the forefront of next-generation transportation technologies. "Abu Dhabi continues to be a hub for innovation and the next frontier in air mobility," said ADIO, highlighting the long-term vision for the city's transportation ecosystem. The integration of urban air mobility could dramatically change how people travel within the city, offering faster, more sustainable alternatives to traditional forms of transportation. The successful test flight also signals a broader trend toward autonomous air transport in the UAE, with the emirate striving to lead in the development of these cutting-edge technologies. The project also underscores Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to diversifying its economy by fostering homegrown innovations in high-tech industries.
Dubai Eye
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Dubai Eye
Watch: Abu Dhabi hosts test flight of pilotless air taxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a major leap into the future of transportation with a successful public test flight of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOL. The demonstration, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), was conducted in partnership with EHang and Multi Level Group. The autonomous flight showcased the EH216-S, the world's first certified pilotless two-seater eVTOL, designed for safe, zero-emission urban mobility. The aircraft's performance in Abu Dhabi's hot climate validated key technologies including airspace coordination and vertiport operations, under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority. Officials say this marks a pivotal step toward integrating air taxis into everyday life, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for innovation and intelligent transport. EHang also announced plans to establish regional operations in the emirate, including a final assembly line and support facilities. Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO called the flight a symbol of Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in next-generation mobility, diversify its economy, and build homegrown capabilities. The latest demonstration lays the groundwork for future commercial deployment of urban air mobility in the UAE. ADIO, in collaboration with @ehang and @multilevelgroup, hosted a landmark test flight of an autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi. @saviabudhabi @gcaauae Learn more: #InvestWithAbuDhabi — Abu Dhabi Investment Office (@InvestAbuDhabi) June 13, 2025
TAG 91.1
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- TAG 91.1
Watch: Abu Dhabi hosts test flight of pilotless air taxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a major leap into the future of transportation with a successful public test flight of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOL. The demonstration, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), was conducted in partnership with EHang and Multi Level Group. The autonomous flight showcased the EH216-S, the world's first certified pilotless two-seater eVTOL, designed for safe, zero-emission urban mobility. The aircraft's performance in Abu Dhabi's hot climate validated key technologies including airspace coordination and vertiport operations, under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority. Officials say this marks a pivotal step toward integrating air taxis into everyday life, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for innovation and intelligent transport. EHang also announced plans to establish regional operations in the emirate, including a final assembly line and support facilities. Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO called the flight a symbol of Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in next-generation mobility, diversify its economy, and build homegrown capabilities. The latest demonstration lays the groundwork for future commercial deployment of urban air mobility in the UAE. ADIO, in collaboration with @ehang and @multilevelgroup, hosted a landmark test flight of an autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi. @saviabudhabi @gcaauae Learn more: #InvestWithAbuDhabi — Abu Dhabi Investment Office (@InvestAbuDhabi) June 13, 2025
The National
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Test flights for flying taxis take place in Abu Dhabi
The prospect of hailing a self-flying air taxi in Abu Dhabi has taken a step closer to reality after test flights took place in the UAE capital. This trial was a "pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life", Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday. The flights were organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, in collaboration with Chinese drone manufacturer EHang and FinTech group Multi Level Group. The National had previously reported how Ehang had reached an agreement with UAE-based Monarch Airplane Manufacturing to set up an aircraft production plant in Abu Dhabi. Badr Al Olama, ADIO director general, said: "We're turning future mobility into tangible nation building. With EHang and MLG, we are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. "This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport.' The test flights were held to assess the performance of the air taxis and how they handle certain conditions, including performance in Abu Dhabi's hot weather, alongside airspace co-ordination, route planning and vertiport operations. "It reinforces our shared vision to lead the autonomous aerial mobility sector from the UAE to Africa and the Middle East," said Mohamed Salah, chief executive of Advanced Mobility Hub, a subsidiary of MLG. "This co-operation is a key pillar in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for future transportation technologies. "This achievement represents a major step toward the commercialisation and widespread adoption of low-altitude passenger aviation services.' The test flights are the latest step towards Abu Dhabi introducing flying taxis to the public. In March, US air taxi company Archer Aviation said it was working towards launching a fleet of flying taxis before the end of the year, viewing the Gulf as the perfect launch pad to demonstrate its vehicles to the rest of the world. Abu Dhabi Aviation confirmed at the time an agreement was made to introduce the first fleet of Archer's Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft this year.
