Israel’s Drone Taxi Successfully Completes Maiden Flight, Fueling Optimism for Tackling Traffic Congestion
Israel Conducts Groundbreaking Tests of Autonomous Passenger Drones to Ease Traffic Congestion
Israel has initiated a groundbreaking series of tests for autonomous drones designed to carry passengers and cargo, with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion, as reported by the Times of Israel.
The Israeli government launched the Israel National Drone Initiative (INDI), an ambitious pilot project aimed at establishing a comprehensive national drone network and revolutionizing the country’s delivery system. This collaborative effort, involving the transportation ministry, the Israel Innovation Authority, Ayalon Highways Limited, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), signifies a historic milestone as it introduces cutting-edge technology to the Jewish state for the first time.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated, “This is the first initiative of its kind in the world for an extensive and multidisciplinary examination of new technologies, including the transportation of cargo and later, people. The collaborative project examines all aspects – including regulation and legislative changes – involved in the commercial operation of drones as an additional tool to deal with congestion.”
The air taxis launched during the second phase of the INDI project saw the participation of 11 prominent drone operating and delivery companies in a series of tests and experimental flights conducted across Israel last week.
One of the drones tested during this period was AIR ZERO, manufactured in Israel, which has the capacity to accommodate up to two passengers. It can carry a total payload of up to 220 kilograms and cover distances of up to 160 kilometers. Other companies, such as Dronery, Cando Drones, and Down Wind, also conducted test flights with autonomous drones.
Over the next two years, the participating companies will conduct monthly test flights across the country, taking place in controlled airspace. These flights will cover distances of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) and involve heavier payloads, further advancing the development and implementation of autonomous passenger drone technology.
The Israel National Drone Initiative represents a significant leap towards integrating advanced drone systems into the transportation sector, offering a potential solution to traffic congestion challenges in the country.
