The Air Taxi

Dubai officials have planned to use a Chinese-made all-electric drone to launch an air taxi service. The drone has four propeller wings. It is designed to carry one passenger, weighing up to 100 kilograms, and a small piece of luggage. The drone can reach a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It can operate for up to 30 minutes on a single battery charge, with a flying range of 50 kilometers. Because the whole trip is fully automated, the drone can be requested through an app to arrive at an approved pickup place. The passenger climbs in and enters the destination into a device built into the seat. The drone then powers up, takes off and heads to the place. All movements and functions of the drone will be monitored by people in a “Command and Control Center” on the ground. The passenger inside the drone will also be able to communicate with the command center if needed. The drone can have other uses besides carrying passengers in the air in busy cities. It can also help in emergency rescue operations or deliver human organs. Dubai officials have long been pushing to adopt high-tech transport. They hope that by 2030, at least 25% of all passenger trips will have been completed with driverless vehicles.