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Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has launched its first drone taxi, an initiative led by entrepreneur Karim Abu Naba with the goal of modernizing the tourism sector and easing traffic congestion. Inspired by international models in South Korea, the United States, and especially China—where he found the most advanced technology—Abu Naba brought the concept to the country. Although only one unit is currently available, the plan is to expand to 12 drones that will connect key destinations such as Samaná, Punta Cana, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and the National District, eventually reaching all 32 provinces.
The unmanned aerial vehicle operates like a commercial flight but with distinct features. It carries two passengers, while the pilot and copilot remain on the ground, operating the drone remotely through satellite-connected systems. The aircraft, powered entirely by electricity, is equipped with 16 propellers and has a flight capacity of 30 minutes, covering distances up to 30 kilometers. Two Dominican pilots trained in China are currently certified to operate the system.
To access the service, users will be able to book flights through a dedicated app called “Fluir.” Prices are expected to start at around US$100, with Abu Naba emphasizing affordability to make the new mode of transport accessible. The initiative not only promises to revolutionize domestic travel but also positions the Dominican Republic as a regional pioneer in drone-based passenger mobility.
I almost spit my coffee out of my mouth this morning. So the Chinese-trained Dominican pilots will fly in safety from the ground. I hope the ride comes with customized parachutes.
And not chinese parachutes!
LMFAO I wouldn’t trust that in a 3rd (developing country) world country for shit!!
I wouldn’t trust it in a 1st world developed country!
But you would trust it in the states? The arrogance is ‘first world country’. Funny how our country(U.S) is and has been declining rapidly. Also, China is not the country we’ve been known as it has been making better quality products Keep sleeping and you’ll wake up not knowing what hit you.
The Dominican Republic is one of the top tourist destination in the world. Mentioning 3rd world country is irrelevant; I wouldn’t trust that anywhere.
They be falling out of the sky like cockroaches, Darwin awards enjoy your last few minutes of live getting into one of these death traps.
The enterprise is nothing more than a novelty idea. The licensing and permit fees coming from all legitimate government agencies having authority over this venture will stress the financial resources of the entrepreneur. The stress will also include financial demands from agencies and people having no license over the type of business. Don’t think there will be enough consumer demand for the risky novelty to make it profitable. Many people are uncomfortable flying commercial aircraft. These same people and others will not involve themselves in a pilotless tourism venue. File this story as “Pie in the sky”.
China is the only country using pilotless drones as taxis. The United Arab Emirates and the US are husbanding similar technologies that have not reached marketable status.
The entrepreneur behind this is a very wealthy guy though. Pretty sure he’ll be able to fund this project even if it doesn’t yield any profits in the beginning. Seems like a rich guy who’s just bored and wants to take on a new hobby.
This is a hard NADA, NO WAY, FAT CHANCE. Don’t trust your life to a drone with no pilot on board to take over when ground communications/systems fail.
Agree
People just risking their life for a taxi 😂 This is wild.
Good stuff. I like the idea of the modernization of DR. It’s about time. It can only be good for the local economy and the country as a whole. As long as safety is a top priority…