ABU DHABI: Lift Aircraft prepares to soar in the UAE

Subject to regulatory approvals, the company is hoping to take HEXA to the skies on Wednesday for its inaugural flight in the UAE.

The ultra lightweight, carbon fibre, single-seat cabin eVTOL is capable of landing on both sea and water and has a maximum flying time of 5 minutes. Featuring 18 independently controlled propellers and 18 electric motors, the aircraft is powered by multiple battery packs and is already flying passengers in the US.

“The HEXA is already flying. We’re already enabling everyday passengers (they don’t need to be pilots) to experience flying in an eVTOL. The US has a regulation in place that has enabled us to build the HEXA and fly commercial passengers. The only other country to have this regulation in place is Saudi Arabia,” explained Jace ‘Digit’ McCown, director of flights ops and chief pilot for Lift Aircraft.

“There is significant interest in the future of electric flight. And the ability to deliver this at a personal level presents a powerful opportunity,” he continued.

Noting that safety is at the core of operations with new and emerging technologies, McCown emphasised that the US’ regulatory support has been key. “We’re delighted that Saudi Arabia is also following suit and we hope to expand our presence further in the region. Getting the average person in a free flying vehicle is dangerous, but what we are offering is actually a highly controlled experience. We monitor and control the systems and that is key to getting the HEXA up and flying.”