Test flights of a driverless hover-taxi will take place in Singapore in the second half of next year, according to the German aviation firm Volocopter (www.volcopter.com).

Its multi-rotor electric air taxi is based on drone technology and can carry two people for around 30km, the firm says.

There was a public demonstration in Dubai last year.

The company said: “The Volocopter is designed specifically for inner-city missions and can withstand minor turbulence around skyscrapers, thereby ensuring a smooth ride.

“Moreover, flying at a height of 100m, it cannot be heard over the typical background noise of a city. It can be controlled by a pilot using a joystick, or remotely from the ground.”

Apart from the test flights, Volocopter will also set up a product design and engineering centre in Singapore to support its expansion plans.

The company also said it is getting ready to ‘roll out’ its first fixed routes in cities, adding that the Volocopter will complement the helicopter-hailing services that are already ‘taking off’ in some cities to beat traffic jams.