FlyNow, the developer of the eCopter pilotless electric aircraft for air taxi services, logistics, and emergency response, has officially moved its global headquarters to Riyadh.
The decision following FlyNow Arabia Ltd.’s acquisition of a majority stake in FlyNow Aviation GmbH in Austria, “positions FlyNow as the first Saudi company focused on developing and manufacturing next-generation flying taxis and cargo drones,” said the company in a press release earlier today.
As part of this transition, FlyNow will establish Saudi Arabia as the central hub for its future intellectual property development, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and commercialisation.
FlyNow is also preparing to begin eCopter flight testing in Riyadh through the SALAAM.earth Automated Air Mobility sandbox. The sandbox will bring together the aircraft, vertiports, air traffic management, digital infrastructure, and safety systems required for real-world operations.
The eCopter will be the first aircraft tested within the sandbox. The programme will validate the aircraft, infrastructure, and operational systems needed for the future introduction of automated passenger, cargo, and emergency aviation services in Saudi Arabia.
“FlyNow’s eCopter is a compact, fully electric aircraft designed to fly automatically along predefined routes without a pilot on board,” says the company. “It offers operating costs comparable to a ground taxi ride, produces zero operational emissions, and has a noise level of approximately 55 dB(A), comparable to a dishwasher. Depending on its configuration, the eCopter can transport up to two passengers or 200 kilograms of cargo, fly up to 50 kilometres at speeds of up to 130 km/h, and support missions including firefighting, medical evacuation, urgent deliveries, and remote operations.”
The transition supports Saudi Vision 2030 by localising advanced aviation technology, developing new industrial capabilities, and creating highly skilled employment opportunities, according to the company. “By anchoring its intellectual property expansion and future manufacturing activities in Saudi Arabia, the company intends to contribute to the growth of a Saudi-made electric aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM).”
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(Image: FlyNow)