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In an Australian-first, RAA in partnership Airspeeder will begin trialling single person scenic flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island in an Airspeeder Mk4 electric flying car from 2024.
RAA CEO Nick Reade said the 12-month trial would firmly place South Australia on the international stage, enhancing the state’s reputation as a leader in innovation, low emission transport and sustainable tourism.
“RAA is always looking at new and innovative ways we can deliver greater value to our members and our State,” Mr Reade said.
“Through our trial with Airspeeder, South Australians will be able to take in the stunning views of Kangaroo Island from a completely new perspective.
“Airspeeder has been setting the bar for electric vehicle technology globally, in the radical new motorsport of piloted electric flying car racing.
“We plan to take this concept further, by testing the commercial viability of running scenic flights in flying cars from Adelaide to one of our State’s leading tourist destinations.”
Designed and built in South Australia by Alauda Aeronautics, the Airspeeder Mk4 is the world’s fastest electric flying car and is capable of reaching a top speed of 362 km per hour in just 30 seconds.
The electric flying car is powered by a 1340 horsepower turbo generator that feeds power to the batteries and motors, and produces nearly zero carbon emissions.
The Airspeeder Mk4 is also extremely efficient with a projected range of 302 km – nearly twice the distance between Adelaide and Kingscote.
Airspeeder co-founder and CEO Matt Pearson said the partnership with RAA was a natural fit in the evolution of Airspeeder.
“Our mission is to build the ultimate performance flying car that will define a new mobility revolution.”
“RAA’s leadership in delivering the State’s first border-to-border electric vehicle charging network and commitment to low emission future mobility aligned with Airspeeders’ core values.
“From the dawn of the motor car, it’s been racing that pushes innovation, and that’s exactly what we are seeing with this trial.
“The next generation of motorsport racing could soon be available for all South Australians to enjoy.”
The first flight is expected to launch on 1 April 2024, coinciding with April Fool’s Day.