A new transport system could be buzzing high above Singapore’s gleaming skyscrapers in a few years’ time.
German aviation start-up Volocopter will start urban flight tests of its air taxi prototype in the Lion City next year.
The firm will begin test flights in the second half of 2019 with backing from Singapore’s ministry of transport, the Economic Development Board and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
The small helicopter-like aerial vehicle is based on drone tech and can be operated with a pilot or autonomously.
Volocopter and CAAS will work together to assess feasibility on air taxi routes and the most appropriate flight mode.
The vehicle can transport two passengers up to 30 km.
"CAAS is pleased to work together with Volocopter to study the technical capabilities and develop appropriate operational guidelines to facilitate such trials in Singapore," the agency said.
The German company said it will send a product design and engineering team to Singapore to support the flight tests.
"We expect the first commercial air taxi routes to open in three to five years. We are in discussions with cities around the world including some in Germany," a Volocopter spokesperson said.
Volocopter has applied for a full commercial licence with the European Aviation Safety Agency and last year completed a public unmanned test flight in Dubai.
