The provincial People's Committee said on October 22 that it had sent a proposal to the prime minister seeking approval in principle for a trial of advanced air mobility (AAM) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The Gia Lai Province People's Committee has proposed a pilot air taxi scheme over water in the Quy Nhon area (Photo: Doan Cong).
Gia Lai has a 134km coastline, more than 80km of border with neighbouring countries, and diverse tourism resources spanning beaches, islands and the Central Highlands.
Provincial authorities expect air taxis to transform transport links between forests and the coast, shorten journey times and create novel tourism experiences for domestic and international visitors.
In Vietnam, unmanned air taxis are currently being tested mainly for cargo transport, with no trial programme for passenger-carrying aircraft yet in place, the committee said.
The proposed scheme aims to test an advanced air mobility ecosystem and assess the conditions required before the technology can be expanded or commercialised. It could also support high-end tourism, emergency medical transport, and search-and-rescue operations.
The initial trial area would cover Quy Nhon and Phu Cat, prioritising locations with low population density and flight corridors over water. Two routes have been proposed.
The first would connect Thieu Nhi Park in Quy Nhon Nam Ward with Quy Nhon Marina in Quy Nhon Ward, covering about 3.4km. It would test the technology, operational control systems, procedures, staff training and emergency response capabilities.
The second route would link Phu Cat Airport in Phu Cat Commune with the concert centre at the Blooming Sky project in Cat Tien Commune, covering about 22km. It would test airport-to-tourism connections and limited passenger transport.
The proposal envisages using one or two aircraft supplied by partners.
Gia Lai has proposed running the pilot from October through the end of 2028, in three phases: preparation and assessment; test flights without passengers and flights carrying experts; and limited passenger services followed by a final evaluation. Progression between phases would depend on meeting specified safety checkpoints.
The provincial People's Committee said the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee had agreed in principle to the pilot scheme.
The results would help refine operating procedures, management models and safety standards, while attracting technology investment and developing a low-altitude aviation industry to create new sources of economic growth.
Gia Lai has asked the prime minister to direct relevant ministries and agencies to help complete the necessary legal procedures and accelerate implementation of the proposal.
