The idea of introducing flying taxis to the island of Bali has been hanging in the airwaves for a number of years.
Although the notion of flying taxis seems futuristic to many, the implementation of this new form of transport could be closer than first thought. The first flying taxis in Bali could be introduced as early as 2028.
One business in Indonesia, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), has been working to develop flying taxis for commercial use.
The company has been working on two models, the Vela Alpha and the Intercrus Sola, both of which have just been on display at the Jiexpo Kemayoran in Jakarta. Dirgantara Indonesia is projecting to have both models available for commercial use in 2028.
Speaking to reporters at the expo, the Director of Commerce, Technology, and Development of PTDI, Moh Arif Faisal, explained that the development of the Vela Alpha flying taxi is a partnership with PT Vela Prima Nusantara. The Vela Alpha has a capacity of seven people, which is configured as one pilot and six passengers. The Intercrus, on the other hand, has a capacity of two to four passengers.
Faisal shared “We are here to have cooperation from friends from the industry, the ecosystem in Indonesia as well.”
He revealed that the Vela Alpha will undergo trials in 2026, which would bring the official commercial launch even closer. Faisal added “Hopefully 2027 will be certified and 2028 will be commercialized.”
According to the masterminds behind the vehicle, the Vela Alpha is a flying taxi powered by electric fuel or eVTOL and has a cruising power of up to 100 kilometers.
The Vela Aplha is set to have a maximum speed of up to 250 km/hour with a load of up to 550 kg, including the pilot.
Dirgantara Indonesia and Vela Prima Nusantara have shared that in addition to transporting passengers, the Vela Alpha will also be able to be used for air cargo transportation, medical evacuation, aerial view, airport shuttle, and disaster relief.
The Intercrus Sola is a different vehicle entirely and is touted as the ‘next generation eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility’. This aircraft was redesigned as a military UAV to bring advanced military equipment to the battlefield.
The Intercrus Sola does not require a runway, so it can be launched from ships, remote bases, or even rough terrain. It can carry a maximum load of 360 kg, travel a maximum distance of 100 km, and cruise at 150 km/hour.
The introduction of the Vela Alpha and the Intercrus Sola in Bali will completely change the way in which the public interact with the island and navigate their way from A to B.
As the island wrestles with rising traffic congestion issues and rapid tourism development, leaders from all sectors are looking towards novel and sustainable solutions that will help improve the day to day lives of local people and improve tourist experience.
In September 2024, Bali welcomed the return of the Bali International Airshow, where the first Vela Alpha was showcased to the world.
Speaking at the event, the Business Development Manager of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Heber Panjaitan, shared, “This is Velo Alpha. Sometimes people say cars or taxis fly. The first target to enter the market, which we know is Bali.”
He added “The plan is for daily public transportation, like a taxi that is flown. Later, [journeys] can be ordered online, and still have to have a pilot, not just anyone.”
Panjaitan revealed that the Alpha Vela will provide an affordable option for taxi transpiration for high end tourists and wealthy local residents in Bali. He noted that a journey in the Alpha Vela will start at IDR 400,000.
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