Kazakhstan tests passenger-carrying autonomous air taxi for first time

Astana has conducted its first flight of an autonomous air taxi carrying a passenger, Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Committee has said.

It noted that the first passenger was Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The EH216-S autonomous aircraft can carry two people, reach speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph) and fly distances of up to 35 kilometres (22 miles).

Initially, the air taxi will be used for demonstration and tourist flights lasting between five and 30 minutes.

Authorities plan to integrate the autonomous aircraft into Kazakhstan's transport system at a later stage.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov