Indonesia: First passenger flying taxi ride successfully conducted

The EHang 216-S flying taxi on June 25 successfully conducted a test flight in Tangerang Regency, Banten province, Indonesia, after receiving permission from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation to carry passengers in a demonstration flight.

Rudy Salim, executive chairman of Prestige Aviation – the company that introduced the EHang 216-S to Indonesia, said its agenda is to continue test flights, so that this can become a future mode of tourism and transportation.

Previously, the pilotless flying taxi, which resembles a large drone, had been showcased on several occasions, including test flights with no passengers or using human dummies. This time the autonomous aerial vehicle flew with actual passengers onboard.

The electric-powered EHang 216-S is targeted to become one of Indonesia's future modes of transport. The drone taxi is also being considered for operations in Indonesia's new capital city of Nusantara. Additionally, it is expected to offer a new option for national tourism./