Autocraft, a subsidiary of Kintsugi and a frontrunner in advanced air mobility, revealed its EVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) air taxi, the E20⁺, during the Abu Dhabi Air Expo. This launch signifies a pivotal advancement in efficient and innovative air transportation, aimed at enhancing mobility and connectivity throughout the UAE.
Significance of the name E20⁺
The designation E20⁺ conveys more than just a model name—it heralds a new era in urban air mobility. The “E” signifies Electric, highlighting the zero-emission propulsion that shapes the future of sustainable air travel, while Elevate underscores Autocraft’s mission to Elevate Time. This concept emphasizes that mobility transcends mere transportation from point A to point B; it enriches our experience of time itself. The “20⁺” indicates boundless growth, representing a future filled with limitless opportunities, in line with the UAE’s ambition to lead in technological and transportation innovations.
Commitment to urban mobility
According to Sean Teo, managing director of Kintsugi, the Autocraft EVTOL is not merely a mode of transport but encapsulates their dedication to transforming urban mobility with an emphasis on advancement and efficiency. He noted that unveiling this concept in Abu Dhabi, a city celebrated for its visionary leadership, highlights the UAE’s role as a pioneer in air mobility innovation. He expressed that this initiative is more than a transportation solution; it is a movement toward a future where the travel experience is enhanced—quietly, efficiently, and seamlessly.
Reflection of innovation in UAE
Tareq AlBannay, vice president of Future Systems at Kintsugi, stated that this reveal is not just a technical milestone; it embodies the UAE’s steadfast commitment to innovation. He expressed immense pride in the development of the Autocraft EVTOL in the UAE, signifying their dedication to forging a limitless future of mobility that aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s vision for advancement and leadership in air mobility.
Dubai air taxis: Construction of first vertiport begins near DXB
Earlier this month, Dubai inaugurated the construction of the emirate’s first aerial taxi vertiport.
Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), the 3,100 sqm facility will have the capacity to handle 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually. The initial phase will feature stations in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with services launching in 2026.
The air taxis will have a maximum speed of 321 kmph, and will be able to cover the distance between DXB and Palm Jumeirah in 12 minutes, compared to the 45 minutes taken by car.
Earlier this year, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) entered into an agreement to initiate the aerial taxi service in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, a UK leader in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure, and Joby Aviation, a US expert in aerial vehicles.
EHang’s milestone
In May 2024, EHang Holdings Ltd, a China-based urban air mobility technology platform, achieved a significant milestone in the UAE. Its pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the EH216-S, successfully completed its inaugural passenger-carrying demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, the EH216-F (designed for high-rise firefighting) and EH216-L (tailored for aerial logistics) also marked their first flights, showcasing the varied applications of pilotless eVTOL aircraft.
Read more | Video: New UAE milestone as air taxi maker EHang completes demo flight with passenger
Operational achievements of EH216 series
The EH216 series, which includes the EH216-S, EH216-L, and EH216-F, executed several autonomous flights at the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, with authorization from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE. Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member of Multi Level Group (MLG), EHang’s local strategic partner, experienced a ride on the EH216-S.
The EH216 series air taxis are crafted as a transformative answer to urban mobility challenges such as emissions and congestion. These pilotless eVTOL aircraft feature a sleek fuselage, a design emphasizing high redundancy, and intelligent cluster management, ensuring safety, efficiency, and scalable operations for eco-friendly air mobility.
Previously, the EH216-S showcased its initial unmanned demo flights at the DRIFTx event on April 25, 2024. EHang has expanded its presence in the UAE by joining the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster and formed a strategic partnership with Wings Logistics Hub in December 2023. Additionally, in April 2024, it entered a strategic collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and MLG to advance eVTOL development in the UAE.
