A company from Saudi Arabia has announced plans to deploy thousands of electric eCopter helicopters from FlyNow Aviation. They will be one- and two-seaters and will transport visitors to the upcoming exhibition in Riyadh, which will be held in 2030.
These unique electric aircraft will first start transporting cargo, and then will be able to provide services to people throughout the kingdom.
Transport of the future
As you know, many developers have been working on vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) systems for many years, trying to develop electric air taxis. This technology has made the most progress in the Middle East, especially in the United Arab Emirates, where landmark agreements were signed to integrate fully electric air transport networks.
However, Saudi Arabia, which competes with the UAE in this field (especially with the progress that Dubai has made), sees the potential in new air travel technologies and is looking to create its own services ahead of the World Expo, which will be held in the capital and the kingdom's main financial center later this decade.
What is unique about Saudi Arabia's latest statement is that it has set itself the goal of deploying in the region a huge arsenal of “electronic copters” that will be much smaller than all the EVTOLs we've seen before from various companies and countries, and will also have a certain degree of independence.
And although the project is entirely attributed to Saudi Arabia, it has enlisted the help of the Austrian company FlyNow, which will have to open a new business in the kingdom.
How it will be
Judging by the available information, the launch the production line is planned already “in the coming months”.
FlyNow copters are expected to transport the public during the Riyadh Expo 2030 exhibition. They will exist in two versions — single and double aircraft capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms in the larger version.
The plane is currently 100% electric and can fly up to 30 minutes or 50 kilometers on a single charge. However, a hybrid version that adds hydrogen technology should also be able to travel up to 200 kilometers.
FlyNow says the eCopter technology is also “automatic,” that is, it flies along a fixed and predetermined route. This is not quite the same as autonomy, where the autopilot can make real-time route and safety decisions based on changing conditions along the way.
To begin with, FlyNow intends to test the eCopter in the region on cargo transportation before switching to passenger transportation. The Austrian aviation startup said it will work with local regulatory authorities to ensure flight safety.
The company intends to work with Middle Eastern regulators and government groups to create the necessary laws, digital infrastructure and vertiports,
– the company said on LinkedIn.
It will also involve Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility, which will provide ecosystem support, as well as Skyroads, a company known for building “roads in the sky.” It will help unify traffic management systems in Saudi Arabia, ensuring safety and scalability.
eCopter from FlyNow: video