Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia could soon have its own “flying taxi.” A locally developed eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft prototype has officially been unveiled, marking a major step forward for the country’s emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
PT Vela Prima Nusantara (Vela Aero), an Indonesian aerospace technology developer, officially launched the full-scale physical prototype of its Vela Alpha aircraft at Heli Expo Asia (HEXIA) 2026, held at Cengkareng Heliport in Jakarta.
The launch positions Indonesia and Vela Aero among the pioneers of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) development in the Advanced Air Mobility sector in Southeast Asia.
“The full-scale Vela Alpha prototype at Cengkareng Heliport demonstrates our domestic engineering and manufacturing capabilities. We are not simply building an aircraft; we are developing an integrated AAM ecosystem to position Indonesia as a center of aviation innovation and a leading holder of aerospace technology intellectual property in Southeast Asia,” Vela Aero’s executives said in a statement.
The full-scale prototype marks a key transition from conceptual design toward formal flight testing and airworthiness certification. Designed and developed by Indonesian engineers, Vela Alpha aims to address connectivity challenges across Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands, reduce urban road congestion, and provide zero-emission air mobility.
Rather than serving solely as a vehicle for passenger or cargo transportation, the aircraft is being developed as a flexible, accessible, and safe solution for everyday mobility.
Vela Alpha Brings Next-Gen Electric Air Mobility to Indonesia
Vela Alpha uses a Lift-and-Cruise configuration combined with Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), powered by nine independent electric motors. This setup enables the aircraft to take off and land vertically before transitioning efficiently into cruise flight using its wings.
The aircraft is designed with a high level of system redundancy, allowing it to maintain safe flight capabilities even in the event of a failure involving one of its electric motors.
Vela Alpha can accommodate one pilot and six passengers and will be offered in two configurations. The first is a fully electric eVTOL variant with a range of up to 150 kilometers, targeting Urban Air Mobility (UAM) routes. The second is a hybrid hVTOL variant with a range of up to 500 kilometers, powered by a turbogenerator compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for longer-distance operations.
The aircraft is designed to reach a cruising speed of up to 250 km/h.
From Prototype to Commercial Flight by 2029
Vela Aero is targeting Entry Into Service (EIS) for the Vela Alpha in early 2029. Ahead of that milestone, the company plans to conduct its first public flight test in the fourth quarter of 2026, involving regulators, partners, prospective investors, and the public.
Another key target is securing a Class D Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations (DKPPU) under Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation by the end of 2026. The approval would provide Vela Aero with institutional authorization to design and manufacture nationally certified aircraft.
To date, Vela Aero has secured a total of 160 Letters of Intent (LOIs) for Vela Alpha aircraft from domestic and international prospective customers. This figure excludes strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that do not specify fleet numbers, as well as partnerships focused on developing supporting infrastructure for AAM operations.
One of the major commercial agreements signed during HEXIA 2026 is an MoU with leading aviation operator Whitesky Aviation for the planned procurement of 50 Vela Alpha aircraft. The fleet is expected to support airport feeder services, urban air taxis, premium tourism, and logistics operations in industrial areas.
Following its targeted milestones in 2026, Vela Aero plans to focus on 2027–2028 on transitioning the Vela Alpha into the aircraft certification phase, converting existing LOIs into firm purchase orders, and integrating the wider AAM ecosystem, including vertiports, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and aircraft leasing companies.
The company is targeting full Type Certification (TC) by the end of 2028, paving the way for the Vela Alpha’s planned entry into commercial service in 2029.
Conclusion
The launch of the full-scale Vela Alpha prototype marks a major milestone for Indonesia’s Advanced Air Mobility ambitions. With electric and hybrid variants, a growing list of prospective customers, and a roadmap toward certification and commercial operation, Vela Aero is positioning the country to play a stronger role in the future of sustainable and next-generation aviation.
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