Pilotless electric air taxi deal struck

Air New Zealand and Zephyr Airworks have agreed to work together on bringing the world’s first autonomous electric air taxi service to New Zealand.

The agreement has been signed between the national carrier and the operator of the pilotless vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Cora air taxi undergoing trials near Christchurch.

Air New Zealand is committed to embracing new technologies that make life easier, as well as understanding the potential of cleaner energy solutions for travel, its chief executive officer Christopher Luxon says.

“Zephyr Airworks is leading the way in re-defining personal mobility to make it easier for all of us to get around,” he says.

“Both companies see the potential for our airspace to free people from the constraints of traffic and its associated social, economic and environmental impacts.”

Zephyr Airworks chief executive Fred Reid says Air New Zealand is the perfect partner to help his company reinvent mobility for everyday flight in New Zealand.

“One day, everyday people across the globe will be able to use Cora to bring flight into their lives. While we are not at that point yet, we are showing people what is possible. That is why we are excited to be drawing on Air New Zealand’s wealth of operational expertise in the New Zealand market.”

Working with New Zealand regulatory agencies, government, community, iwi and business, Zephyr Airworks is also connecting with local communities to make sure everyday flight becomes a reality for people around the world.

“With our aircraft Cora, we are building on eight years of research, development and leading 21st century technology,” Reid says.

“We are applying everything that revolutionised the world of communications to transport – we are showing people what is possible. There are also long-term economic and environmental advantages that will benefit future generations.”

Cora is capable of carrying two passengers on short trips and can even use rooftop landing pads.

Zephyr Airworks is Google co-founder and Alphabet chief executive officer Larry Page’s California-based Kitty Hawk Corporation’s New Zealand operator.