Dubai is on the brink of a transportation revolution with the introduction of a Mars-inspired air taxi. Austrian company FlyNow Aviation is spearheading this innovative project, which draws inspiration from NASA’s ‘Ingenuity’ helicopter currently operational on Mars. The company has begun collaborating with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and aims to be operational within 28 months.
According to a Khaleej Times report, this development is a response to the escalating need for alternative mobility solutions in megacities worldwide, where traffic congestion is a growing concern. FlyNow Aviation’s design is touted as having “the most efficient configuration and infrastructure footprint that’s ever been built in this space.”
Yvonne Winter, Co-founder and CEO of FlyNow Aviation, shared details about the air taxis, mentioning both single and twin-seater versions. “In 28 months, we’ll start the production of the cargo version, followed by the passenger version,” she stated. These Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles boast a cruise speed of 130kmph and are remarkably quiet, producing noise levels comparable to a dishwasher.
The cargo version of the eVTOL can carry up to 200kg, aligning with standard logistics sizes. Its operational philosophy is similar to that of NASA’s Mars helicopter, ‘Ingenuity.’ The rotor system of the eVTOL is designed for high efficiency, allowing it to operate in lower density atmospheres, making it suitable for high altitudes.
Winter elaborated on the vehicle’s range and safety features, including a 50-km range with an additional 25-km reserve for security purposes. She also highlighted the vehicle’s automatic pilot system, which follows predefined routes. In emergency situations, passengers can use a panic button to land at the nearest alternate landing spot.
These air taxis will fly between specific hubs, with flight plans devised by air traffic management or affiliated companies, taking into account weather conditions. Winter emphasized the incorporation of collision avoidance sensors and the exclusive authority of air traffic control to intervene in the flight path.
FlyNow Aviation is currently in discussions with various entities and investors in the region, including Air Chateau, the first and only private heliport operator company in the UAE. “The MENA region is our entry point to the Middle Eastern market,” Winter remarked, highlighting the region’s innovation, pace, and ambition.