Astana has entered the era of futuristic transportation after hosting the first-ever demonstration flight of an electric air taxi, marking a major milestone in Kazakhstan's drive to develop next-generation urban mobility.

The historic flight took place at the Kazanat Hippodrome during the Games of the Future 2026 and was organized by Kazakhstan's Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG) in partnership with Chinese eVTOL manufacturer AutoFlight, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Qazinform (@qazinform_agency)

The demonstration showcased the AutoFlight Prosperity, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of carrying one pilot and up to five passengers. Designed for future urban transport, the aircraft can reach 200 km/h, fly up to 200 kilometers on a single charge, and is powered by 13 electric motors, delivering quieter flights with zero direct CO₂ emissions.

The inaugural flight was conducted without passengers, following international safety protocols for the first public demonstration of a new aircraft.

"The demonstration flight in Astana is not a standalone event but part of a systematic effort to introduce Urban Air Mobility in Kazakhstan. Our goal is to make innovative air transport an integral part of Kazakhstan's transportation system," said Sergey Khegay, CEO of Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd.

Kazakhstan has already laid the legal groundwork for the technology. In June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislation creating the country's first regulatory framework for air taxis, eVTOL aircraft, vertiports, and unmanned traffic management systems, paving the way for commercial operations in the future.

Visitors will have another chance to see the aircraft up close when it is displayed outside Barys Arena on July 29-30 as part of the Games of the Future 2026.