French aerospace firm has announced the completion of the first successful test flight of its Vahana autonomous flying taxi.
Although the flying taxi was in the air for only 53 seconds, the test is a step towards the company’s “ultimate goal” - to “build an autonomous passenger drone network” that will function similarly to a ride-hailing service, says Engadget.
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Airbus expects to launch a production-ready version of the Vahana drone by 2020, The Verge adds, after further extensive testing.
Several tech companies are currently developing pilot-less transport vehicles and systems.
Ride-hailing service Uber launched its Elevate programme, which also aims to offer short taxi rides by air, in 2016. The firm plans to open flying-taxi terminals in Dubai, Los Angeles and Dallas.
In November, Uber announced a partnership with Nasa to create an air traffic control-like system that allows flying cars to travel safely over city skylines at low altitude.