The future has arrived: Air taxis commence work in Abu Dhabi

Not long ago, we reported on the launch of air taxis in the Emirates. Just over a month later, the first Vertiport – a port for air taxis for vertical takeoff and landing – was unveiled on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Externally, these vehicles closely resemble large quadcopters and operate on a similar principle, utilizing 4-6 pairs of propellers.

Maiden flight

On April 25th, from 16:30 to 17:00, the inaugural flight of the air taxi took place. Weighing 600 kg, the craft hovered in the air for approximately 20-25 minutes, circumnavigating several towers before returning to its initial point. It was a thrilling spectacle.

Ideal transportation for an archipelago

A glance at the map of Abu Dhabi reveals a vast archipelago of hundreds of islands, many of which are not connected by bridges. This intricate landscape necessitated the introduction of air taxis. The CEO of AD Mobility – the company behind the air taxis – has pledged to establish similar Vertiports throughout Abu Dhabi.

So, by the end of the year, expect Abu Dhabi to resemble the urban ambiance of The Fifth Element film.