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FlyNow Aviation, a startup focused on urban air mobility from Austria, is preparing to supply a large number of electric helicopters to improve mobility and sustainability at the Riyadh Expo 2030.
The Chief Operating Officer of FlyNow Aviation,Yvonne Winter, shared these intentions with Asharq Al-Awsat during the 2024 Global Forum on Electric Vehicles and Mobility Technology in Riyadh.
Winter indicated that the company plans to establish a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia within the next one to two months, along with setting up a production line for local manufacturing and global export from the Kingdom.
FlyNow Aviation specializes in the production, operation, and advancement of efficient, automated electric cargo drones and taxis, utilizing advanced technology to reduce manufacturing and operational expenses.
Winter revealed that her company has developed a line of electric aircraft called "eCopter," which includes a single-seat version and a dual-seat version capable of transporting passengers or cargo, with a payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms.
The aircraft currently operate on fully battery-powered technology with a range of 50 kilometers for safety reasons. Future plans include a hydrogen-powered version and a hybrid version combining both technologies, with the hybrid version offering a range of up to 200 kilometers and a flying speed of up to 130 kilometers per hour.
Winter described the eCopter as "extremely quiet."
She emphasized the company's focus on implementing a system to significantly improve ground conditions, particularly in addressing traffic congestion.
Winter mentioned that while her company is finalizing the system, its initial focus will be cargo transportation to minimize risks.
FlyNow Aviation is seeking collaboration from various stakeholders—such as corporations, regulators, and government bodies—to influence laws, regulations, digital infrastructure, airport facilities, insurance systems, weather checks, and more.
