Unmanned air taxi takes to the skies with a passenger for the first time in Kazakhstan - PHOTO

In Astana, for the first time in the history of Kazakhstan, a flight of an unmanned passenger aircraft with a person on board took place, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan reported.

The serially produced electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) EH216-S carried out a demonstration flight over a specially designated area of the capital as part of the international tournament "Games of the Future 2026."

During the event, guests were shown the capabilities of unmanned passenger technologies. The aircraft is designed for two people, reaches a speed of up to 130 km/h, and can cover up to 35 kilometers on a single flight.

At the first stage, Kazakhstan plans to launch demonstration and tourist routes lasting from 5 to 30 minutes over natural, cultural, and historical landmarks. In the future, such aircraft could become part of the country's transport system.

The project also envisages the use of drones for emergency medical assistance, delivery of medicines, firefighting, logistics, and other tasks where speed and efficiency are important.

In addition, Kazakhstan plans to localize the production of unmanned passenger aircraft.

It is expected that this will help develop high-tech machine building, create new jobs, and expand industrial cooperation.