3 Countries Have Flying Cars; Indonesia's IKN to Operate Them in 2045

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Flying cars will be operating in Indonesia’s new capital city in 2045, the head of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority, Bambang Susantono, said optimistically. This is in line with IKN's vision of a smart, sustainable city.

“Buses will be driverless, and by 2045 there will even be flying cars. It's really advanced,” Bambang said.

He emphasized that the implementation of the smart city concept at IKN aims to create a carbon-free environment, which will make a positive contribution to Indonesia's efforts to overcome global climate change.

Previously, IKN announced that flying taxis would be tested ahead of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations on August 17, 2024.

Flying vehicles are no longer a fantasy. At least three countries have started testing theirs.

1. UAE

As reported by Reuters on Oct. 14, a flying car made by Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc. took its maiden public flight in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, as the company attempted to launch electric aircraft to the international market.

It looks like a mini helicopter called X2, a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The manufacturer considered this unmanned vehicle as an "important foundation for the next generation of flying cars."

2. Slovakia

At the end of January 2022, the Slovak Transport Authority issued a certificate of airworthiness for a dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle called AirCar after successfully completing 70 hours of demanding flight tests, according to Emerging Europe.

The tests met the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The AirCar prototype completed more than 200 take-offs and landings in fully automatic mode.

3. Japan

Japan successfully conducted its first unmanned outdoor flight of such a flying car on February 2023 with the approval of the Transport Ministry, according to the Japan Times.

The flying cars traveled about 400 meters, reached a height of about 30 meters above the ground, and stayed in the air for three and a half minutes. It is 5.6 meters wide, 1.7 meters high, and weighs 430 kilograms, which can accommodate two people.

DICKY KURNIAWAN | SUKMA KANTHI NURANI

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