ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
The Garden City is once again at the forefront of technological innovation as Zephyr Airworks – a company supported by Google's Larry Page, and former staffers from Nasa and Boeing - unveiled the world’s first self-piloted electric air taxi, nicknamed Cora, here on Tuesday.
The electric-powered aircraft which is under development for eight years, can take off and land vertically, with a range of 100 km and highest speed of 150 kmph, is being developed by California-based Kitty Hawk Corporation. The New Zealand operator is called Zephyr Airworks, which says that the aircraft can be in the market within six years.
Notably, Mr Sebastian Thrun, who is the Chief Executive of Kitty Hawk, is a computer scientist who led Google's self-driving car project; whereas Zephyr Airworks Chief Executive Mr Fred Reid has headed major airlines including Virgin America, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines, in his three-decade-long aviation career.
Expressing her joy on this new development for the city, Mayor Lianne Dalziel noted, “This aircraft represents the evolution of the transport eco-system to one that responds to a global challenge around traffic and congestion, and is kinder to the planet. Christchurch is committed to becoming carbon neutral and we are embracing future technologies in the areas of future transport, future foods, Antarctica and space technology, and technical adventure clothing. We are open for business and are making strong strides in these areas.”
ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Joanna Norris added, "We have been working closely with Zephyr Airworks, who came here because of the ease of doing business in New Zealand, our safety-focused regulatory environment, our culture of ingenuity and our vision for clean technologies and future transport alternatives.”
Interestingly, the other methods of future transportation being explored in Christchurch include the Omhio autonomous vehicle trials and the Yoogo electric car sharing scheme.
The Garden City is once again at the forefront of technological innovation as Zephyr Airworks – a company supported by Google's Larry Page, and former staffers from Nasa and Boeing - unveiled the world’s first self-piloted electric air taxi, nicknamed Cora, here on Tuesday.
The electric-powered...
The Garden City is once again at the forefront of technological innovation as Zephyr Airworks – a company supported by Google's Larry Page, and former staffers from Nasa and Boeing - unveiled the world’s first self-piloted electric air taxi, nicknamed Cora, here on Tuesday.
The electric-powered aircraft which is under development for eight years, can take off and land vertically, with a range of 100 km and highest speed of 150 kmph, is being developed by California-based Kitty Hawk Corporation. The New Zealand operator is called Zephyr Airworks, which says that the aircraft can be in the market within six years.
Notably, Mr Sebastian Thrun, who is the Chief Executive of Kitty Hawk, is a computer scientist who led Google's self-driving car project; whereas Zephyr Airworks Chief Executive Mr Fred Reid has headed major airlines including Virgin America, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines, in his three-decade-long aviation career.
Expressing her joy on this new development for the city, Mayor Lianne Dalziel noted, “This aircraft represents the evolution of the transport eco-system to one that responds to a global challenge around traffic and congestion, and is kinder to the planet. Christchurch is committed to becoming carbon neutral and we are embracing future technologies in the areas of future transport, future foods, Antarctica and space technology, and technical adventure clothing. We are open for business and are making strong strides in these areas.”
ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Joanna Norris added, "We have been working closely with Zephyr Airworks, who came here because of the ease of doing business in New Zealand, our safety-focused regulatory environment, our culture of ingenuity and our vision for clean technologies and future transport alternatives.”
Interestingly, the other methods of future transportation being explored in Christchurch include the Omhio autonomous vehicle trials and the Yoogo electric car sharing scheme.
Leave a Comment