South Korean authorities have demonstrated a local air transport service that could be launched in Seoul as early as 2025.
The recent protest involved the Urban air mobility vehicles (UAM). The vehicles are designed to transport people between major airports and downtown Seoul. Officials say the taxi service is expected to cut travel time between the two locations by about two-thirds.
Last year, South Korea announced plans to launch urban air transport services by 2025. The Ministry of Transport estimates that such services would reduce travel time for distances of between 30 and 50 kilometers. ‘one hour by car to 20 minutes by plane.
Minister of Transport Noh Hyeong-ouk attended the UAM air traffic demonstration. He said these vehicles should “become one of the common means of transport that citizens use in everyday life.” It is therefore “imperative“That UAM services are tested in different environments,” added Noh.
During the demonstration, a pilot flew a model two-seater air taxi by German Volocopter at Gimpo Airport in Seoul. The test aimed to demonstrate control of the vehicle and coordination.
The Volocopter vehicle is powered by rotors that allow it to take off and land like a helicopter. The model shown can be piloted or operate without a pilot.
However, an official from the Department of Transport said that when passengers are on board UAM, a pilot must also be on board to control the vehicle. This is a safety measure for the taxi service and will also help vehicles to be accepted by the public, the official added.
The South Korean designers also presented a model of another UAM vehicle. It will not be ready for flight tests until next year. The team producing the vehicle plans to develop a five-seater version, the transport ministry said.
Other technologies showcased at the event included imaging equipment for Track the aircraft, as well as lighting systems for the specially designed “vertiports” where air taxis will land and take off.
A trip from Incheon International Airport to central Seoul is expected to cost around $ 93 when service begins in 2025. This is much more than a trip currently with the more expensive taxi service. But Department of Transportation officials said the cost is expected to drop to around $ 17 per trip by 2035, if the market continues to experience strong growth.
In a statement, the ministry said the test flight demonstrated the capabilities of air traffic control systems. The ministry said that the systems currently manage all airport flights in the country can also handle UAM air traffic.
This shows that existing air traffic operations can be carried out “in harmony with UAM operations, “the statement read.
I am Bryan Lynn.
Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.
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Words in this story
Urban – adj. belonging to or relating to a city
mobility – not. the ability to move freely or be easily moved
imperative – adj. extremely important or urgent
coordination – not. the activity of organizing separate things so that they work together
rotor – not. part of a rotating machine, in particular the device supporting the rotating blades of a helicopter
Track – v. follow the movements of something
manage – v. control the operations of something
harmony – not. a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other
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