As we see the rise of more startups using blockchain to drive transformation across the digital information ecosystem, they are helping to increase awareness of the technology in sectors that range from financial services and the supply chain to infrastructure and public policy. One of these sectors is the transport industry.

The McFly.aero blockchain project has begun the setup of its blockchain-based infrastructure for flying taxis in 23 cities across 13 countries, with Kenya and Nigeria being the two African countries on the list. This comes at a time when importing, owning, and flying a drone has been legalised in Kenya as long as users operate within the regulations set by civil aviation authorities.

This move makes Kenya the third country on the continent after Rwanda and South Africa to have a legal framework in place for the remotely controlled aircraft. The drone regulations were gazetted last year and paved the way for widespread use. Previously, imported drones before the legal framework came into effect were confiscated by the Kenya Revenue Authority. Now, drone owners are able to register and pay for operation certificates.

Flying Taxis

Until very recently, the concept of the urban flying taxi was little more than a scene on sci-fi films. However, during April last year at the Uber Elevate Summit, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft were presented as a means to bringing profound changes to our cities and our lives. Currently, estimates say that a one and a half hour journey in the city could be slashed to around 10 minutes and the cost will vary in each market.

On their website, McFly.aero states that it is a technology and business incubator focused on the emerging urban air taxi market and that they have plans to deliver more affordable urban flight very soon and in more cities. Business Daily Africa reports that the project will see twelve companies team up to develop the elements of the city air taxis, across the flying cars with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOLs), energy and traffic management infrastructure.

As far as fares go, pricing will be based on the grid’s load, and transactions will be made in McFly tokens on the blockchain. The token, however, is not just a reward or billing mechanism. It is part of the core technology that will be used to measure the exploitation or usage of the vehicles.

The two/four-seater vehicles will either be on autopilot or have the passenger pointing directions and so far, there are two designs: Bartini, flying at 300km/h, and Hepard, which flies at 150 km/h. Both designs have a flight time of 30 minutes. They will be electric or hydrogen powered and manufacturers have the first test flights between March and May 2018.

Future Smart Cities

The use of blockchain comes as the ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru set up a taskforce headed by former Information principal secretary Bitange Ndemo to explore the use of distributed ledger technology and artificial intelligence for development in Kenya. The urban flying taxi concept intersects between aviation, blockchain and smart cities. This could change how cities work, where people live and how they travel. It could also give rise to new tourist and leisure opportunities.