FlyNow, an Austrian start-up, is gearing up to launch a fleet of electric helicopters in time for the World Expo in Saudi Arabia in 2030. The ambitious initiative was announced by FlyNow’s cofounder and COO, Yvonne Winter, and shared by Saudi Arabia Holding Co. CEO Mohammed AlQahtani on LinkedIn. According to the announcement, the company plans to deploy thousands of miniature e-copters to transport visitors around a 600-hectare site in Riyadh, aiming to enhance mobility and sustainability at the expo. FlyNow is also preparing to open manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia within the next month to commence production. Despite attempts to obtain more details, FlyNow has not yet responded.
The start-up has developed two models of e-copters: a single-seat and a double-seat variant. These electric helicopters can travel up to 31 miles (50 km) or approximately 30 minutes on a single charge. They can achieve speeds of up to 81 mph (130 km/h), although they are unlikely to fly at such high speeds during the expo. The two-seater model can carry up to 441 pounds (200 kg).
Both e-copter designs are noted for their sleek and simple appearance. Instead of the traditional tail rotor, these aircraft feature two coaxially stacked rotors that rotate in opposite directions to balance out torque. The rotors are designed to produce just under 55 decibels of noise at an altitude of 490 feet (150 meters), making them about as loud as a conversation between two people.
The helicopters will be equipped with an automatic flight system (AFS), which allows them to cruise along a predetermined route and follow a set flight plan. This is in contrast to autonomous aircraft, which can select their own flight paths and make real-time adjustments. FlyNow asserts that automatic flying has been successfully and safely practiced in aviation for many years, whereas fully autonomous flying is still some time away. The European Aviation Safety Agency has stated that autonomous flight will not be technically and regulatorily feasible until after 2030. Therefore, FlyNow’s fleet should be able to operate under existing regulations.
However, achieving the 2030 debut will present several challenges. FlyNow will need to identify locations for charging and storing the fleet during the expo. Additionally, flight paths will need to be meticulously planned to avoid accidents. The company will also have to manufacture “thousands” of aircraft within a six-year timeframe. While FlyNow tested a full-scale proof of concept at Salzburg Airport in early summer 2023, the aircraft has yet to be seen in the skies. Nevertheless, a lot can change in half a decade.
