Constant work is being done to make transport methods easier and faster in this world of modernity. Development of air taxi is a big step in this direction. While Dubai is preparing to start air taxi service by next year, China is also moving fast in this area. Recently, an automated electric air taxi (EVTOL) made in China has created history by flying in Africa for the first time.
The historic flight took place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, where Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition was held. Representatives of 34 countries participated in this big event. According to China’s official news agency Xinhua, the Test flight was organized by Rwanda in collaboration with China’s government company China Road and Bridge Corporation. The flight was an electric vertical tech-off and landing vehicle (EVTOL) with an un-driver manufactured by Ehang Holdings of China, which is specially designed to fly at a low altitude.
This flight is extremely special for Rwanda, as Rwanda is a landlocked country and is working on better air transport methods to decrease congestion and pollution in its cities as well as to promote tourism. Rwanda’s Facebook page Rwanda Heart of Africa has described the partnership as a means of “strengthening the status of Rwanda in Africa in implementing modern aviation technology”.
China’s growing flight
China has identified aircraft flying at low altitude as an important and emerging industry. In the last few years, a lot of assistance has been given by the government to promote this sector. According to a research group report, the estimated price of China’s low-altitude market this year can reach 1.5 trillion yuan (about ₹ 17 lakh crore).
This technology of China is no longer limited to the domestic market, but is also becoming popular abroad. In July, a Thai company signed US $ 1.75 billion (about ₹ 14,500 crore) to buy 500 Chinese EVTOL. Similarly, a buyer from the United Arab Emirates had signed a deal of US $ 1 billion (about ₹ 8,300 million) for 350 aircraft made by Shanghai Ticab Technology. This indicates that China is not only developing this technology, but is also making it commercially successful at the global level as well.
China is continuously moving forward to commercially use related techniques such as air taxis and drones. This will not only revolutionize the field of transport, but it will also create a new business and technical opportunities for many countries. This successful test of China’s air taxi in Rwanda is a sign of the beginning of a new era in front of the world, where air travel can be accessible not only for rich people or long distances, but also for everyone, for less distance.
