<p> Dubai has edged closer to its goal of launching a pioneering hover-taxi service, with the authorities announcing a successful "concept" flight was made on Monday without passengers.<br /><br />Safety features for the two-seater air taxi include emergency parachutes and nine independent battery systems, according to Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA).<br /><br />It said the prototype, supplied by Germany-based Volocopter, can fly for 30 minutes at a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour (62mph).<br /><br />The RTA envisions that the hover-taxi will eventually be integrated into the city's existing public transport network, which includes a metro system, tramway and buses.<br /><br />Passengers would be able to book their "autonomous air taxi" and track its arrival and route using an app.<br /><br />Authorities anticipate five years of testing to put in place safety procedures and legislation governing the cutting-edge mode of transportation.<br /><br />Home to Burj Khalifa, currently the world's tallest tower, Dubai is a leading tourist destination in the Gulf, attracting a record 14.9 million visitors last year.</p>
<p> Dubai has edged closer to its goal of launching a pioneering hover-taxi service, with the authorities announcing a successful "concept" flight was made on Monday without passengers.<br /><br />Safety features for the two-seater air taxi include emergency parachutes and nine independent battery systems, according to Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA).<br /><br />It said the prototype, supplied by Germany-based Volocopter, can fly for 30 minutes at a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour (62mph).<br /><br />The RTA envisions that the hover-taxi will eventually be integrated into the city's existing public transport network, which includes a metro system, tramway and buses.<br /><br />Passengers would be able to book their "autonomous air taxi" and track its arrival and route using an app.<br /><br />Authorities anticipate five years of testing to put in place safety procedures and legislation governing the cutting-edge mode of transportation.<br /><br />Home to Burj Khalifa, currently the world's tallest tower, Dubai is a leading tourist destination in the Gulf, attracting a record 14.9 million visitors last year.</p>