IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE, IS IT A FLYING CAR?

Would flying safely ever be possible again? Well, if it is up to the Italian designer Andrea Ponti. Inspired by a well-known Chinese bird of prey, he came up with the Kite: a fast, electric and luxurious four-person drone. Especially for commuters in and after the COVID-19 times.Text: Larissa Schaule Jullens
Image: Ponti Design Studio

The Wouw effect

According to Ponti, the urge for electric air taxis has only increased due to the corona crisis. Inspired by the black kite – Hong Kong's most famous bird of prey – the Kite is fast, agile and intelligent. It is fully electric, autonomous and according to Ponti this means of transport will... key to economic recovery after the pandemic. It is the new way to transport tourists and workers to and from industrial hubs without emissions.

Private jet Look a Like

The interior of the Kite can be compared to that of a private jet. The cabin has a center aisle with two single seats on each side. The seats are adjustable and there is also a heating element. Thanks to the foldable tray tables in the armrest and a built-in television screen, you as a traveler can get through the flight comfortably. There's also under-seat storage for carry-on luggage and space behind the rear seat for larger bags. The first area where the Kite will fly will be the Greater Bay Area regions of China.