Drone taxi test flight conducted over Seoul

A drone taxi flew over Yeouido, Seoul, for the first time Wednesday morning in an event to demonstrate it as a solution to the city’s traffic congestion.

The aircraft used for the demonstration was a two-seater produced by Chinese manufacturer EHang.

It flew without a passenger 1.8 kilometers above sea level for about seven minutes.

South Korean firms Hyundai Motor and Hanwha Systems exhibited their drone aircraft models under development at the event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

Hanwha Systems unveiled a mock-up of its electric vertical takeoff and landing machine dubbed Butterfly under joint development with US manufacturer Overair.

Meanwhile, Hyundai showcased its aircraft model made in cooperation with US transport company Uber Technologies first introduced earlier this year.

Hyundai plans to commercialize the eight-seater by 2028.

South Korea is eyeing to commercialize urban air mobility by 2025.