Buzz
Volocopter, the groundbreaking air taxi company, recently announced a partnership with NEOM - the megacity in Saudi Arabia - to construct the world's first vertical public transportation system. The initiative begins with NEOM ordering 15 electric air taxis capable of vertical takeoff and landing, with the goal of operational deployment in 2-3 years.
NEOM is a sustainable development project valued at around $500 billion, situated in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea coast. The name NEOM is a fusion of 'neos' and 'mustaqbal,' Greek words meaning 'new' and 'future' respectively. NEOM aims to become a city powered entirely by renewable energy. Instead of using cars for transportation, residents will travel in unmanned air taxis, with automation handling most non-essential tasks. Additionally, NEOM will operate on renewable energy from the sun, wind, and sea waves.
To establish a public transportation system using eVTOL technology, the joint venture will integrate Volocopter's air taxi service completely into NEOM's emission-free public transportation system. According to a press statement by Volocopter, this joint venture will be the sole operator of the first public transportation routes in NEOM. Additionally, NEOM will provide all necessary infrastructure for this ecosystem, including logistics, emergency services, and tourism.
NEOM's air taxi order consists of two types: 10 passenger-carrying Volocity air taxis and 5 cargo-carrying VoloDrone aircraft. In addition to these models, NEOM also plans to order VoloConnect fixed-wing aircraft for longer flights from the suburbs to the city.NEOM states that this ecosystem will be ready by 2022. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be an essential part of designing and operating something entirely new.' - Volocopter's chief commercial officer remarked.According to Interesting Engineering
