Aviation

Rides in Airbus’s self-flying cars will cost ‘the equivalent of a normal taxi’.

Airbus is inching closer to the very first test flight of its electric aircraft and says a ride in the vehicle will be as cheap “as taking a taxi” per mile.
Airbus’ Silicon Valley arm is developing a flying taxi as part of an effort to alleviate congestion by taking commuting to the skies. Zach Lovering, the project leader, provided Business Insider with a sneak peek of what its prototype will look like, saying it will cost passengers between $1.50 to $2.50 per mile.

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The electric aircraft, called Project Vahana, will fly autonomously and rely on eight rotors to take off vertically. Airbus will test its first prototype, which will have a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles), by the end of 2017.

The final version, which is set to hit the market in 2020, will be able to fly for 100 kilometers (62 miles). Airbus will use swappable batteries to keep its aircraft operational.

“To get those costs down, the biggest driver by far is the electric propulsion system,” Lovering told Business Insider.

Airbus isn’t the only company pursuing vertical take-off aircrafts as an alternative form of city transit. Germany’s e-Volo and Uber are also planning to release flying taxi services by 2018 and 2021, respectively.
But Airbus is the first company to release an expected price for its service.
Naturally, trips in flying taxis are bound to last longer than the majority of quick cab rides. But it shows Airbus is trying to keep prices competitive for people willing to weigh the difference between taking a cab or electric aircraft to an airport.

More : Business Insider

Aviation

Qatar Airways’ AI Campaign Lets Passengers Star in Their Own Film

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways has introduced a groundbreaking global film, ‘AI Adventure,’ which leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance its dedication to creating unparalleled, immersive experiences for its customers.

In a pioneering move, the campaign allows viewers to star in the film using advanced AI technology that integrates their likeness into the storyline. This innovative approach underscores the airline’s commitment to placing its customers at the center of its experiences.

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The campaign offers viewers the chance to choose from various scenes and assume leading roles within the film. The advanced AI ensures that the characters accurately reflect the viewer’s appearance, adjusting to their facial features and skin tone.

To experience the emotive AI adventure, visit flyqatar.com or watch the film on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel.

For those interested in booking a journey with Qatar Airways, the new campaign highlights the ease of making Qatar Airways reservations and Qatar Airways ticket booking.

To explore more, you can use Qatar Airways booking services or check out options with QR airlines.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented: “At Qatar Airways, we aim not just to meet but to exceed customer expectations by anticipating their needs and creating deeply resonant experiences.

This new brand campaign is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

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Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, added: “Our latest campaign, featuring unprecedented AI capabilities in the airline industry, highlights our innovative spirit and customer-focused approach.

It transforms every journey into a unique adventure, proving that dreams have no limits.”

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mr. Babar Rahman, stated:

“This campaign exemplifies our vision as a leader in innovation. By offering a personalized brand experience where everyone can star, we’ve created meaningful connections with our audience, ensuring each moment is memorable.”