Indonesia pilots flying taxis in new capital Nusanta

By VNA August 2, 2024 | 12:52 am PT

An Advanced Air Mobility aircraft developed by Hyundai Motor Corp. and Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) as an air taxi is seen at a hangar in Samarinda Airport in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province, July 29, 2024. Photo Courtesy Nusantara Capital Authority

The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) has tested the flying taxi prototype at Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Airport in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

OIKN's Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation Mohamed Ali Berawi said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew for about 10 minutes at an altitude of 50 m and a speed of 50 km/h.

He emphasized that the trial is the first step in realizing efficient and environment-friendly urban air transportation in Indonesia. This is proof of Indonesia's commitment to developing future transportation technology.

According to Berawi, the new capital focuses not only on procuring UAV technology but also on developing and mastering it and Indonesia wants to create an open innovation ecosystem where various parties can collaborate to develop this flying taxi technology.

Meanwhile, to achieve the vision, the OIKN has collaborated with various strategic partners, both domestic and international, including Hyundai Motor Company to develop the flying taxi prototype.

The OIKN expected that the flying taxi trial could trigger the development of the civil aviation industry in Indonesia and flying taxis will be able to operate commercially in the next five years.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Berawi said Nusantara also focuses on the development of competent human resources, especially in the field of technology.