Indonesia is revving up for the future of transportation with plans to test its first flying taxis in July 2024. These futuristic vehicles are being prepped for a grand showcase during the nation’s Independence Day celebrations on August 17th.
The flying taxis, developed by a collaboration between the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Hyundai Motors Company, can accommodate up to five passengers. Parts for the innovative vehicles recently arrived in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, close to the new capital city of Nusantara.
“We’ll begin assembling and inspecting the flying taxi next week, paving the way for test flights in July,” remarked Bambang Susantono, head of the Nusantara Capital City Authority. These trials, conducted at APT Pranoto Samarinda Airport, will serve as a crucial step in assessing the feasibility of integrating flying taxis into Nusantara’s transportation network.
The Indonesian government envisions these flying taxis as a cornerstone of the new capital’s infrastructure by 2045. Following the successful completion of the trials, Hyundai, through its U.S. subsidiary Supernal, is expected to develop a business model for these flying taxis. Additionally, Supernal will focus on advancements in autonomous flight technology for the vehicles.
This move positions Indonesia at the forefront of urban air mobility solutions, joining nations like the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Japan who have already begun testing similar technologies.
