Malaysia's Capital A to launch flying taxis in Southeast Asia

Capital A, the parent of Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia, has taken the first step toward bringing flying taxis to the masses in Southeast Asia while taking another leap toward transforming its brand. "Urban Air Mobility is a new concept, therefore the focus is on creating and enabling an ecosystem and the building blocks for future development and growth," said Ling Liong Tien, chief safety officer at AirAsia. AirAsia Aviation Group signed a memorandum of understanding in February to lease a minimum of 100 VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from Avolon, a leasing company based in Ireland. Avolon ordered the VX4s from British developer Vertical Aerospace. A team formed by the three companies will hold its first meeting this month in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to deliver the VX4s in 2025. To launch the business, the air taxis will need type certificates, along with specialized aviation rules and infrastructure for landing, takeoff and parking. Vertical Aerospace is in the process of obtaining type certification in Europe. The company plans to initiate test flights as soon as this month. In Singapore, the government has designated an air mobility hub at the Seletar Aerospace Park for testing flying taxis. Under AirAsia's model, the operation will start as a link between Kuala Lumpur's city center and the international airport, which will reduce the hourlong trip by car to a mere 17 minutes. The fare is expected to cost less than $50 per person if four people share the same air taxi.<br/>