AirAsia plans to lease up to 100 VTOL aircraft for ultra-short flights in Southeast Asia. For flights, VX4 eVOTL aircraft will be used, which can accommodate a pilot and four passengers, Dip.org.ua reports with reference to Travel Weekly.
Air taxis, judging by the descriptions of the aircraft, are designed for flights over distances of about 160 kilometers. The aircraft will be supplied by leasing company Avolon, which last summer placed an order for 500 aircraft worth $2 billion. The program also includes Japan Airlines and Gol in South America.
Avolon, along with the launch of air taxis, intends to partner with AirAsia to “commercialize” zero-emission eVTOL aircraft and develop an urban air mobility platform in Southeast Asia. The two companies will form a working group to conduct local certification, explore potential market opportunities and infrastructure requirements.