GAC now producing pilotless flying taxi priced at Rp4.5 billion

Guangzhou Automobile Group, the Chinese giant better known as GAC, has begun branching out from the automotive industry into the aviation sector, with the start of production of its own electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft called the AirCab. The eVTOL is also being developed under the Govy mobility brand, with production limited to around 100 units per year. The AirCab has obtained all necessary certifications to operate commercially and has also successfully passed a full crash test programme. Thus, the AirCab is a product that is ready for use, not merely a concept or prototype. Technical details of the aircraft remain limited. However, GAC previously stated that the AirCab is equipped with a high-density cylindrical battery that requires only 25 minutes for a full charge. There is no information yet regarding its range, but the distance is expected to be limited. For now, the company anticipates the aircraft will be used by tourism operators offering aerial sightseeing services. Last year, GAC completed several demonstration flights in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, providing a glimpse of this primary use case. In addition to being electrically powered, the AirCab also supports Level 4 autonomous flight features. This means the aerial vehicle can fly and navigate on its own without requiring a crew or pilot. As might be expected of a vehicle that can fly itself, the AirCab is not cheap. Its price starts from 1.68 million yuan, or approximately Rp4.5 billion. At such a high price, tourism operators that purchase it will likely charge very steep fares even for short-distance flights.