Electric Heli-Pods to Revolutionize Transport at 2030 Riyadh Expo

2 months ago Editor

FlyNow’s innovative electric heli-pods are set to transport thousands of visitors at the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, marking a significant leap in urban air mobility and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies.

Austrian startup FlyNow is set to manufacture a fleet of electric heli-pods in Saudi Arabia, gearing up to provide innovative transportation solutions for the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.

FlyNow’s coaxial twin-rotor helicopters will facilitate the movement of thousands of visitors, marking a significant leap in urban air mobility. These single- and double-seat heli-pods promise a battery range of up to 50 km (31 miles) and a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). However, they are expected to operate well below this speed within the confines of the Expo site.

Saudi Arabia, in its relentless pursuit of futuristic technologies, is leading the race against Dubai. The Kingdom has recently unveiled projects such as towering, hundred-mile-long skyscrapers, ambitious Hyperloop plans, and a cliff-hanging soccer stadium. Dubai, not to be outdone, continues to showcase its own advancements, including massive diving pools with sunken cities and flying jetpack firefighters.

Mohammed AlQahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co., announced this latest venture on LinkedIn, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to cutting-edge innovations. FlyNow’s heli-pods will weigh just 210 kg (463 lb) in a single-seat format and are designed to operate quietly with a noise level under 55 dB at 150 m (490 ft) altitude.

FlyNow has six years to scale up production to meet the demands of the Expo. Currently, the company is in the proof-of-concept stage, having only conducted ground tests. The success of this venture will rely heavily on establishing a regional office and assembly line in Saudi Arabia.

Given the compact design of the heli-pods, extensive ground space will be required for charging and operational maneuvers. However, Riyadh’s vast desert surroundings offer ample space for these operations. The heli-pods will likely need autonomous fleet control due to the absence of in-cabin controls.

As the 2030 World Expo approaches, the world will be watching closely to see if FlyNow can deliver on its ambitious promise of thousands of electric heli-pods transforming transportation in Riyadh.