Just over a year after EHang’s passenger-carrying autonomous drone was unveiled in Las Vegas, officials in Dubai said this week they plan to provide flights to the public in the aircraft by this summer. “The AAV [autonomous aerial vehicle] on display at the World Government Summit is not just a model but it has really flown in Dubai skies,” said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, at the summit in Dubai on Monday.

The EHang can carry one passenger weighing up to 220 pounds, plus a small suitcase, according to the RTA’s video (below). The vehicle was unveiled in Las Vegas early last year. Eight propellers arrayed on four arms power the aircraft. Emergency systems will direct the drone to land if there’s a malfunction, or allow the passenger to command a landing if a problem arises, the company said. 

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