A trip by air taxi in Kazakhstan could cost around $1 per kilometre. Project developers are considering such fares, based on international experience and the cost of premium taxi services.
HOW MUCH A FLIGHT MIGHT COST
According to the CEO of Alatau City Authority, Alisher Abdykadarov, pricing is being guided by foreign practice. He stated that in other countries, the cost of an air taxi journey is approximately $1 per kilometre.
He noted that similar fares are being considered for Kazakhstan.
"The price of an air taxi will match the current prices of premium taxis. However, there will be advantages such as the ability to travel from one point to another without traffic jams," said Alisher Abdykadarov.
WHERE AIR TAXIS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TESTED
The first demonstration flight of an air taxi took place in the city of Alatau. The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and cover up to 200 kilometres on a single charge. The first flight was conducted without passengers.
In addition, test trials have already been carried out at an open site near Almaty, along a national highway. The first vertiport in Kazakhstan — a specialised take-off and landing site for eVTOL — is also being built there.
WHY PASSENGERS ARE NOT YET BEING TRANSPORTED
Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev stated that the project is continuing through the testing and safety verification phase. Specialists still need to check routes in the area of the mountain cluster, the airport, railway stations, Konayev, and the Kapchagay Reservoir.
According to him, the trials must take into account climatic conditions, aeromagnetic fields, and the location of high-voltage power lines.