EHang 216 flying taxi undergoing trial runs in Bali; Covers 30 km in 20 minutes

Indonesia is reportedly taking a step towards urban air mobility (UAM) as the country is set to kick start trial runs of the EHang 216 flying taxi in Bali.

The EHang 216 is basically a gigantic drone that can carry two passengers at a time. The autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) has already gone through trial runs in 41 cities in eight countries before it arrived in Bali.

Rudy Salim, Executive Chairman of Prestige Aviation, the company overseeing the trial runs, hopes that the introduction of alternative commercial aviation will help slash travel times especially in cities that are well-known for their traffic congestions like Jakarta.

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The main aim of the trial run is to introduce EHang 216 drone to the public. Manufactured by Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd, a Guangzhou-based company that manufactures AAVs, the EHang 216 utilises internet connectivity and is controlled by a pilot on land.

The AAV utilises 16 propellers to lift off and is programmed to still be able to maintain flight even though three of its propellers have failed.

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As of 30-November-2021, the EHang 216 has already completed its debut flight with the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) Chairperson, Bambang Soesatyo, and Head of Bali Tourism, Putu Astawa, on board.

Speaking at the EHang 216’s Indonesia maiden flight, Bambang Soesatyo is excited to see the country enter a new chapter of transportation. He believes that once the use of the AAV is approved, the industry will change the lifestyle of many people in the future.

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Once the AAV receives its permit to operate, the fare is expected to start at IDR 1 million (~RM 290) for a 30-minute ride.