Latest news with #MultiLevelGroup
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Abu Dhabi conducts test flight of driverless flying taxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a giant step into the future of air mobility with the landmark public demonstration of a test flight of an autonomous flying taxi conducted in the Capital. In a 50-second video clip released by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) on Friday, the electric driverless vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is shown taking off from the helipad of Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, and cruising above the Abu Dhabi Marina. Watch the video here: ADIO, in collaboration with @ehang and @multilevelgroup, hosted a landmark test flight of an autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi. @saviabudhabi @gcaauae Learn more: #InvestWithAbuDhabi — Abu Dhabi Investment Office (@InvestAbuDhabi) June 13, 2025 The test flight was conducted with the support of Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with Chinese technology company EHang and Multi Level Group (MLG). ADIO did not mention how many minutes the EHang-powered flying taxi was up in the air but underscored the test flight 'was aimed at evaluating the efficiency and operational capabilities of flying taxis.' 'The trial was also a pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life,' ADIO noted, adding, 'The (test flight) validated critical technologies, including hot-weather performance in Abu Dhabi's climate alongside airspace coordination, route planning and vertiport operations.' 'Conducted under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flight provided live proof of the regulatory, operational and infrastructure frameworks essential for safely scaling this new mode of transport,' ADIO continued. 'We are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport,' added Badr Al Olama, director-general at ADIO. Two-seater flying taxi The flying taxi tested was EHang's EH216‑S. It is touted as the world's first certified, pilotless, two-seater eVTOL aircraft. The EH216-S features eight arms equipped with 16 propellers. Each propeller is powered by a dual-motor system, totalling 32 independent electric motors. According to EHang, the design ensures efficient vertical take-off and landing capabilities with a high level of operational safety and redundancy or the practice of having multiple independent safety systems in place to ensure that if one system fails, another will take over. ADIO noted the Chinese technology-powered flying taxi is 'tailored for urban environments and purpose-built for applications such as sightseeing, short-distance connections and tourism.' It operates with minimal noise and no runway, making it ideally suited to the evolving infrastructure of future cities. Meanwhile, EHang earlier confirmed plans to establish regional operations in Abu Dhabi, including a final assembly line and support facilities, according to ADIO.
The National
a day ago
- Automotive
- The National
Test flights for flying taxis take place in Abu Dhabi
The prospect of hailing a self-flying air taxi in Abu Dhabi has taken a step closer to reality after test flights took place in the UAE capital. This trial was a "pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life", Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday. The flights were organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, in collaboration with Chinese drone manufacturer EHang and FinTech group Multi Level Group. The National had previously reported how Ehang had reached an agreement with UAE-based Monarch Airplane Manufacturing to set up an aircraft production plant in Abu Dhabi. Badr Al Olama, ADIO director general, said: "We're turning future mobility into tangible nation building. With EHang and MLG, we are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. "This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport.' The test flights were held to assess the performance of the air taxis and how they handle certain conditions, including performance in Abu Dhabi's hot weather, alongside airspace co-ordination, route planning and vertiport operations. "It reinforces our shared vision to lead the autonomous aerial mobility sector from the UAE to Africa and the Middle East," said Mohamed Salah, chief executive of Advanced Mobility Hub, a subsidiary of MLG. "This co-operation is a key pillar in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for future transportation technologies. "This achievement represents a major step toward the commercialisation and widespread adoption of low-altitude passenger aviation services.' The test flights are the latest step towards Abu Dhabi introducing flying taxis to the public. In March, US air taxi company Archer Aviation said it was working towards launching a fleet of flying taxis before the end of the year, viewing the Gulf as the perfect launch pad to demonstrate its vehicles to the rest of the world. Abu Dhabi Aviation confirmed at the time an agreement was made to introduce the first fleet of Archer's Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft this year.
Zawya
a day ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Investment Office partners with EHang and Multi Level Group on test flight of passenger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: With the support of Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with EHang and Multi Level Group (MLG), has hosted a landmark test flight of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of a public demonstration in the emirate. The test flight has showcased Abu Dhabi's commitment to shaping the future of urban mobility, highlighting its leadership in intelligent transportation systems and autonomous vehicles. The project to bring fully autonomous passenger aircraft to Abu Dhabi to provide safe, zero-emission aerial mobility contributes towards further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global destination for air, land and sea transportation. More than a technical milestone, the test flight represents a pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life, in line with the emirate's vision of further enhancing innovation and artificial intelligence. The autonomous mission validated critical technologies, including hot-weather performance in Abu Dhabi's climate alongside airspace coordination, route planning and vertiport operations. Conducted under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flight provided live proof of the regulatory, operational and infrastructure frameworks essential for safely scaling this new mode of transport. As cities globally explore the potential of eVTOLs, Abu Dhabi is setting a precedent – by not only testing the technology in real urban conditions but also fostering a collaborative ecosystem where government and industry align to accelerate innovation and to enable commercialisation of such modes of mobility. Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster, Abu Dhabi is localising production, supporting infrastructure development and enabling future-ready regulation. His Excellency Badr Al Olama, Director-General at ADIO, said: 'Today's demonstration embodies Abu Dhabi's future-forward ambition. Through the vision of the SASC, we're turning future mobility into tangible nation building. With EHang and MLG, we are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport.' The demonstration also played a key role in public and stakeholder engagement, offering both groups a tangible glimpse into the future of mobility. Building trust in new technology is critical, and the event sparked excitement across the ecosystem, laying the foundation for greater acceptance and momentum as Abu Dhabi moves towards commercial deployment of urban air mobility. EHang, a public listed company on Nasdaq and leader in autonomous aviation technology, confirmed plans to establish regional operations in Abu Dhabi, including a final assembly line and support facilities. These plans, executed in partnership with MLG and supported by ADIO, reinforce the emirate's strategy to build an innovation-led, diversified economy. EHang's EH216-S received the world's first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft, issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The EH216‑S represents a paradigm shift in passenger transport. As the world's first certified, pilotless, two-seater eVTOL aircraft, it combines full autonomy with electric propulsion – delivering safe, zero-emission aerial mobility tailored for urban environments. Purpose-built for applications such as sightseeing, short-distance connections and tourism, it operates with minimal noise and no runway, making it ideally suited to the evolving infrastructure of future cities. Within its compact size, the EH216-S features eight arms equipped with 16 propellers, each powered by a dual-motor system, totalling 32 independent electric motors. The design ensures efficient vertical take-off and landing capabilities with a high level of redundancy and operational safety, positioning the EH216-S as a smart and sustainable solution for next-generation mobility. Mohamed Salah, CEO of Advanced Mobility Hub, a subsidiary of MLG, said: 'This public flight demonstration marks a pivotal milestone in our strategic partnership with EHang, one of the group's most significant strategic collaborations. It reinforces our shared vision to lead the autonomous aerial mobility sector from the UAE to Africa and the Middle East. This cooperation is a key pillar in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for future transportation technologies. This achievement represents a major step toward the commercialisation and widespread adoption of low-altitude passenger aviation services. By establishing an integrated ecosystem for certified electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the region, we are not only accelerating innovation and advanced manufacturing but also laying the foundation for a new era of smart and sustainable mobility across the Middle East and Africa.' ADIO continues to forge strategic partnerships and provide support for investment in the emirate, enabling innovative global companies to establish and expand their operations internationally from Abu Dhabi. -ENDS- Notes to editors: About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi passenger eVTOL aircraft test flight lifts off in public demonstation
Abu Dhabi has hosted a test flight of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a public demonstration that marks a step towards integrating urban air mobility into daily transport. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), collaborated with EHang and Multi Level Group (MLG) to conduct the demonstration flight. الرحلة التجريبية للطائرة الكهربائية العمودية ذاتية القيادة أسهمت في تقييم القدرات التكنولوجية للطائرة على العمل في الأجواء الحارة، وجاهزية المهابط والمرافق، وكفاءة عمليات التنسيق الجوي، بما يؤكّد ريادة #أبوظبي في توظيف أحدث التقنيات المبتكرة وحلول النقل الذكي. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 13, 2025 The test showcased the emirate's approach to urban mobility and intelligent transportation systems. Abu Dhabi advances urban air mobility The project aims to bring autonomous passenger aircraft to Abu Dhabi to provide zero-emission aerial mobility, contributing to the emirate's position as a destination for air, land and sea transportation. The test flight validated technologies including hot-weather performance in Abu Dhabi's climate, airspace coordination, route planning and vertiport operations. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) oversaw the flight, which demonstrated regulatory, operational and infrastructure frameworks for scaling this mode of transport. 'Today's demonstration embodies Abu Dhabi's future-forward ambition. Through the vision of the SASC, we're turning future mobility into tangible nation-building. With EHang and MLG, we are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport,' Badr Al Olama, Director-General at ADIO said. The demonstration engaged the public and stakeholders, providing them with a view of future mobility technology. The event aimed to build trust in the technology and generate momentum for the commercial deployment of urban air mobility. EHang, which trades on Nasdaq and specialises in autonomous aviation technology, has confirmed plans to establish regional operations in Abu Dhabi. These operations will include a final assembly line and support facilities, executed in partnership with MLG and supported by ADIO. EHang's EH216-S has received the world's first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The EH216-S is the world's first certified, pilotless, two-seater eVTOL aircraft. It combines autonomy with electric propulsion to deliver zero-emission aerial mobility for urban environments. The aircraft operates for applications including sightseeing, short-distance connections and tourism, with minimal noise and no runway requirement. The EH216-S features eight arms equipped with 16 propellers, each powered by a dual-motor system, totalling 32 independent electric motors. The design provides vertical take-off and landing capabilities with redundancy and operational safety. 'This public flight demonstration marks a pivotal milestone in our strategic partnership with EHang, one of the group's most significant strategic collaborations. It reinforces our shared vision to lead the autonomous aerial mobility sector from the UAE to Africa and the Middle East. This cooperation is a key pillar in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for future transportation technologies. This achievement represents a major step toward the commercialisation and widespread adoption of low-altitude passenger aviation services. By establishing an integrated ecosystem for certified electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the region, we are not only accelerating innovation and advanced manufacturing but also laying the foundation for a new era of smart and sustainable mobility across the Middle East and Africa,' Mohamed Salah, CEO of Advanced Mobility Hub, a subsidiary of MLG added. Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster, Abu Dhabi is localising production, supporting infrastructure development and enabling regulation for future mobility solutions. ADIO continues to forge partnerships and provide support for investment in the emirate, enabling global companies to establish and expand their operations from Abu Dhabi.
