Would you consider taking a "flying taxi" if the cost were affordable?
Xie Jia, Senior Vice President of AutoFlight, recently said that the unit price of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) service between Shenzhen and Zhuhai will be reduced to 6 RMB ($0.84) per kilometer per person.
For instance, a flight from Shekou in Shenzhen to Zhuhai's Jiuzhou Port spans over 40 kilometers, then the travel time will take just 20 minutes, and the ticket price may be reduced to as low as 240 RMB per person.
In comparison, driving from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Zhuhai's Jiuzhou Port takes around 2 hours and costs over 300 RMB when factoring in taxi fares and tolls. A ferry ride from Shekou to Jiuzhou Port costs 120 RMB and takes over an hour, while a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Station to Zhuhai ranges from 117 to 144.5 RMB, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.
The eVTOL aircraft, powered by electricity, offers a zero-emission alternative with lower maintenance costs and less than 60 decibels of noise inside the cabin. The aircraft's smooth flight and minimal vibration ensure a comfortable experience for passengers.
In recent days, Shenzhen revealed that the city aims to have over 75% of its airspace open for drones by 2025, with more than 1,000 commercial low-altitude routes in operation. Additionally, Shenzhen plans to expand low-altitude applications, including logistics, passenger transport, and emergency rescue. By 2025, the city hopes to achieve 1.5 million low-altitude cargo flights and over 30,000 low-altitude passenger flights annually.
Author: Holly
Photo: Nanfang Daily
Editor: Will, James
