Gia Lai proposes piloting unmanned flying taxis
According to the proposal of the People's Committee of Gia Lai province to the Prime Minister, the locality plans to pilot an advanced air traffic model (AAM), using electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL), initially in the Quy Nhon - Phu Cat area, with priority given to low population density and flight corridors over water.
The first route is about 3.4 km long, connecting the Children's Park with the marina, between Quy Nhon ward and Quy Nhon Nam ward. This route aims to verify technology, operating systems, mining procedures, training and emergency response capabilities.
The second route is about 22 km long, connecting Phu Cat Airport with the Concert Center of the Blooming Sky project, Cat Tien commune. This route aims to test the model of connecting the airport with the destination and the ability to transport passengers in limited numbers. It is expected that there will be 1-2 vehicles provided by partners.
The project is divided into three phases: preparation and evaluation, no flights yet; Test flights empty and loaded with experts; Finally, the limited passenger transport pilot and summary. Phase changes are only made when the corresponding safety control milestones are met.
The province aims to build an advanced air traffic ecosystem, complete the legal framework, safety standards, infrastructure and human resources before considering commercial exploitation or replication. The model is also expected to support emergency medical transportation, rescue, and high-quality tourism development.
Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee said that it has coordinated with the Vietnam Aviation Academy and partners to develop the project.
According to the proposal, the state budget will ensure management tasks, surveys, independent safety assessments, training, supervision and pilot infrastructure. Enterprises and investors are responsible for vehicles, personnel, operations, maintenance, insurance and troubleshooting.
The Provincial People's Committee emphasized that testing must comply with national defense, security and aviation safety requirements, be deployed on a small scale, have real-time monitoring and a mechanism to stop immediately when necessary. Passenger transportation for payment is only carried out when vehicles, personnel, airspace and take-off and landing sites fully meet legal conditions.
The province requested the Prime Minister to consider the pilot policy and at the same time direct ministries and branches to support the completion of legal procedures.
Previously, Hanoi also proposed a controlled test of flying taxis in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, and at the same time, researched and deployed a suitable commercial low-range economic model after having controlled test results and being evaluated as effective.
Tran Hoa