A fix for Nepal's transportation woes?

Social media and new portals in Nepal are abuzz with excitement as the NADA Auto Show 2025 in Kathmandu is expected to showcase a flying car, technically known as eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft.

- LEELADHAR JOSHI

Public display of this novel technology, known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in a wider sense, marks a significant step towards innovative future transportation, one that seems essential for Nepal given its geographical constraints.

Exhibition and execution are quite different things. The opportunities it unlocks are exciting, while the path to operation is challenging. Meanwhile, a nuanced understanding of this novel technology, its developmental impacts and potential implementation challenges may turn expectations into reality.

AAM signifies a remarkable shift in aviation technology, with the potential to revolutionize the aviation sector. It can operate at lower altitude and shorter range, requires minimal infrastructure and maintenance, making it well-positioned to deliver cleaner, safer, quieter, flexible and cost-effective transport solutions compared to conventional means.

Over 267 cities and regions across 63 countries are planning or piloting AAM initiatives. Commercial launches are expected in countries such as the US, China, South Korea, France, Japan and Saudi Arabia by 2026.

A wide variety of eVTOL aircraft types have already been developed. Alongside the setting up of vital infrastructures, such as vertiports, is also gaining pace. As of February 2025, 1,504 vertiports are planned globally, a sharp rise from 1,004 in September 2024, with China accounting for over 50 per cent of all projects.