Le Thu Hien, head of the Strategy and Policy Division at the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, clarified the status of the proposal at a city press conference on October 5.
She said the department signed an agreement with Hung Viet Investment, Trade and Technology JSC on September 28 to study controlled trials and develop a low-altitude economy model, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
However, the agreement does not constitute approval for flying taxi trials, Hien said, adding that no decision had been issued by the Hanoi People's Committee.
Relevant parties must continue research, complete documentation and follow required procedures before submitting the proposal for approval. Trials can begin only after the city issues a formal decision.
Hien said any initial testing is expected to be confined to Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park rather than conducted widely across Hanoi.
Under the cooperation agreement, the parties have proposed controlled trials of the EH-216S aircraft, along with an unmanned aircraft traffic management system and an operations control centre at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park.
The proposed programme would be carried out in four phases in accordance with Vietnamese regulations and international safety standards.
Hung Viet is responsible for preparing the necessary technology, technical expertise, funding and personnel, as well as completing the application for controlled trials.
