‘Made in UAE’ air taxis, electric aircraft to hit skies by 2027

‘Made in UAE’ air taxis, electric aircraft to hit skies by 2027

A US-based aviation company — known for developing hybrid-electric aircraft for both regional distances and short-haul 'air taxi' routes — is launching operations in the UAE, it was announced on Friday.

The Ministry of Economy said Odys Aviation has officially joined its NextGen FDI program, which supports pioneering businesses in high-potential sectors so they can seamlessly launch and scale their operations in the country.

The company specifically produces hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that are designed for passengers, cargo and emergency services.

Odys Aviation’s aircraft will be able to deliver all-electric propulsion for 320km, with a hybrid-electric range of more than 1,200km. This means they have the potential to reduce carbon emissions on pan-GCC air travel by up to 76 per cent, and provide a zero-carbon travel alternative for all journeys across the UAE.

The California-based start-up plans to launch a full-scale prototype in 2025, with the aircraft entering into service in 2027.

Over 2,000 jobs

Powered by the MoE's NextGen FDI programme, the company will be able to set up a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which will include a high-volume assembly and maintenance plant.

The move will create more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Emirates and would result in the