The start-up company Kelekona is developing an unmanned flying bus

The most significant feature of the flying bus is that it ensures passengers observing social distancing.

The Kelekona company is named after its creator, Braeden Kelekona. During the pandemic, the creator regularly travelled between New Jersey and New York City in overcrowded buses, putting his health at risk. This experience pushed Braeden towards creating a more comfortable mode of transport with a guarantee of social distancing.

As a result, the idea of a flying bus with a carrying capacity of 4.5 tons was soon developed. The passenger area will accommodate up to 40 people at a safe distance from one another. The bus will have the ability to fly thanks to eight variable-vector propellers. This will enable the flying bus to switch between vertical and horizontal flight modes.

The initial test flight is due in 2022. In 2024, Kelekona will take its first passengers on board. Initially, the flying bus is scheduled to fly between Manhattan and the Hamptons. A one-way ticket will cost $85. If this proves successful, Kelekona will start operating on several more routes.