Volocopter 2X

2021: Volocopter 2X urban air taxi control system shown in South Korea

In mid-November 2021, South Korea demonstrated a new urban aeromobile management system. Air vehicles of this type, scheduled to launch in 2025, will serve as taxis between major airports and downtown Seoul, reducing travel time by two-thirds.

In 2020, South Korea announced its plan to begin urban commercial air transportation in 2025. According to the Ministry, transport these transport funds can reduce travel time by distances of 30-50 km from an hour by car to 20 minutes.

Volocopter 2X

South Korea on November 11, 2021 conducted the first test of a manned air taxi of a two-seater model developed by the German company Volocopter. The presentation of the Volocopter 2X model was held at Kimpho Airport, Seoul. The flight lasted five minutes and demonstrated the ability to control a vehicle driven by helicopter-like rotors for vertical take-off and landing, both with the pilot and autonomously. During the presentation, South Korean designers also showed a model of their own drone. It is expected that the full-size five-seater prototype will begin test flights in 2022.

Other technologies presented at the event included aircraft detection and tracking equipment, as well as patented helipad lighting systems for taking off and landing air taxis. A trip from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul will cost about $93 at the beginning of business trips in 2025. This is more expensive than the corresponding premium car taxi services, but the South Korean Ministry of Transport assures that already in 2035 the cost will decrease to about $17, when the transportation market is fully adapted to the new type of movement.^[1]

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