First-ever passenger-carrying drone takes flight in Abu Dhabi
- The first passenger-carrying drone trials took off in Abu Dhabi
- The two flights happened during the first-ever Abu Dhabi Mobility Week
- It demonstrated the kingdom’s dedication to cutting-edge technology
Published on Jun 10, 2024 at 6:33 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jun 13, 2024 at 6:27 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
History has been made as the Middle East’s first passenger-carrying drone trials took off in Abu Dhabi during the first-ever Abu Dhabi Mobility Week.
Held from April 24 until May 1 2024, two test flights demonstrated the kingdom’s dedication to cutting-edge technology.
The Multi Level Group (MLG), who was behind the demos in association with Abu Dhabi Mobility, was able to showcase both their versatility and innovation in their Autonomous Aerial Vehicles.
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In fact, MLG is pioneering in the field of advanced automation and digital transformation solutions.
Abu Dhabi’s passenger-carrying drone
Abu Dhabi is making serious efforts to shape a world-leading future of smart and sustainable mobility.
As such, they’ve developed an integrated ecosystem across land, air, and sea.
So it makes sense that Abu Dhabi Mobility Week saw the first passenger-carrying drone trials in the Middle East.
The passenger-carrying drones that took off
The first test flight was taken by a five-seater drone.
It can fly just over 25 km (15.5 m), with a payload of up to 350 kg (772 lb).
The flight lasted for 40 minutes and covered 123 km (76 m), which is the longest recorded drone flight.
Number two, meanwhile, saw a small two-passenger drone taking the skies.
It’s capable of carrying two passengers up to 35 km (22 m) for 20 minutes.
In similar news, this bizarre flying car jet pack hybrid has taken off in Tokyo.
Abu Dhabi is using its advanced infrastructure in the field of AI tech, championing smart and autonomous vehicles.
It was also the first-ever eVTOL flying event in Al Ain City.
Mohamed Hamad Al Dhaheri, a Board Member of MLG, was aboard the demo flight of the fully autonomous intra-city eVTOL.
“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating,” he said.
“The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and as an Emirati, I am proud to be a part of it.”
Chinese eVTOL maker, EHang, has also made huge progress in the race to get autonomous flying taxis into the air.
What’s more, these are the other coolest flying cars on the horizon for 2025.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
