Imagine scenes from the cult classic film The Fifth Element with its flying taxis coming to life... in Bali! The future we once saw on screen is not that far away.
This idea has come and gone over the past five years, with many dismissing it as yet another strange solution proposed by leaders, seen as a distraction from the real issue of traffic congestion on the island.
Velo Alpha is an innovative flying taxi prototype developed by the Indonesian company Vela Aero in collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI). It was showcased at the Bali International Airshow 2024 and is set to become the first flying taxi, scheduled to start commercial operations by 2028.
In an interview with detikBali, PT Dirgantara Indonesia's Business Development Manager Heber Panjaitan shared details about the aircraft's features.
Velo Alpha has several characteristics rarely found in conventional airplanes.
It is powered by electricity and runs on a battery. Besides the fully electric version, a hybrid version of the Velo will also be produced.
It is powered by electricity and runs on a battery. Besides the fully electric version, a hybrid version of the Velo will also be produced.
The electric version is capable of flying up to 100 kilometers, while the hybrid model can travel up to 500 kilometers.
Another standout feature is its five propellers: four positioned on the left and right wings, pointing upwards, and one at the tail, directed backward.
Another standout feature is its five propellers: four positioned on the left and right wings, pointing upwards, and one at the tail, directed backward.
This configuration allows Velo Alpha to take off and land vertically, much like a helicopter.
Heber explained that the flying taxi will serve two segments—public transportation and tourism services.
For public transport, the flying taxi can be booked online, with ticket prices around 400,000 rupiah per person. It can accommodate 1 to 3 passengers. For tours, the fare will be higher, and the cabin will seat 4 to 6 passengers.
At present, only one Velo Alpha prototype, scaled at 1:3, was displayed at the Bali International Airshow. This mini-prototype has already been tested and successfully flown.
However, since the project’s inception, full-scale production is planned to begin with only two prototypes by 2027, followed by mass production a year later.
When it hits the market, Velo Alpha is expected to be priced at around 2.7 million USD.
While flying taxis are still a few years away, local entrepreneurs have proposed a different transportation solution for now.
On September 19, a new electric rickshaw was launched in Bali, developed by the local company Paguyuban Becak Listrik Indonesia (PBLI), under the name Bali Eco Smart Tourist (BEST).
The electric rickshaw, similar to the classic models seen in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries, can travel at 15 kilometers per hour and has a maximum range of 40 kilometers on a single charge—approximately 6 hours of operation.
PBLI plans to focus on introducing electric rickshaw services for tourists in Denpasar and Kuta areas.
This initiative will help address traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and support the local economy. Electric rickshaws will offer a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option, enhancing travel experiences across Bali for everyone.
Sources: detik.bali, kumparan.com
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