Kazakhstan has conducted its first demonstration flights of an air taxi and delivery drones in the city of Alatau, marking a step toward creating a "low-altitude economy," Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said Thursday.The electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as an eVTOL or air taxi, was developed by Kazakh company Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG) together with partners from the United States, China, South Korea and Italy. The passenger aircraft, an AutoFlight Prosperity, can carry up to five passengers and one pilot, reaches speeds of 200 km/h and has a range of 200 kilometers on a single charge.The project is fully funded by private investment, with total spending on urban air mobility in the region estimated at $300 million. Construction has begun on the first vertiport in Alatau City, designed by UrbanV.President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a constitutional law on May 8, 2026, establishing a special legal regime for Alatau that includes experimental legal frameworks and dedicated air zones for urban air mobility. About 40 regulations are being developed to create an "air code" for the new city, with amendments to national aviation legislation already before parliament.Separately, AAAG has signed a memorandum with AutoFlight for the supply of 50 V2000 and V5000 series aircraft.The city of Alatau in the Almaty region was established by presidential decree in January 2024. Its master plan was developed together with Singapore's Surbana Jurong. In September 2025, the president signed a decree granting Alatau a special status. Alatau City is planned to become the region's first fully digital city, ranging from smart city technologies to the ability to pay for goods and services with cryptocurrency. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX