Malaysia-based AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AirAsia) and Ireland-based Avolon signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding, in hopes to launch a minimum of 100 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Avolon, using them as an air ridesharing service in the future.
AirAsia’s endorsement makes it the aircraft’s first expansion in Southeast Asia. On top of announcing that the aircraft will be used as an “air taxi”, they revealed how cool the VX4 eVTOL by Vertical Aerospace looks!
“The digital era is now. In the VX4, we have identified what we believe will be the eVTOL aircraft of choice and we are thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia. We are also delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Avolon, which has a proven track record of delivering for its customers and is in sync with our goal to become the leading one-stop travel and delivery platform in ASEAN,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A.
Apparently, the VX4 has enough room for 5 people, including 1 pilot and 4 passengers, and can fly up to 321 km/h with a range of just over 160 km. The aircraft is expected to fly 100 times quieter than a helicopter at cruise and hover, and operates at zero emissions.
You’re probably wondering if it’s going to cost a bomb to ride in the “air taxi”. According to Vertical, it is supposed to be low cost, so it would probably cost just a bit more than a conventional on-the-ground taxi. Lastly, Fernandes mentioned that flights could begin by the year 2025, with the company predicting faster approvals from regulators in Malaysia and Singapore, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Would you ride an “air taxi” to your preferred destination?