Fully electric, no emissions, no pilot, four seats, and a minimalist design. These are the main features of Kite, a new concept for a quadcopter drone by Hong Kong-based Ponti Design Studio. The unmanned vehicle takes its name from the black kite, a majestic migratory bird of prey that flies over Hong Kong skies in winter. Just like the bird, the Kite drone would be able to cover the distance between the bay city and Macau in a matter of minutes, with rides from pod-station to pod-station that could be fully automated and take about 25 minutes.

Kite has space for 4 seats with 4-point helicopter-style quick-release harnesses, with screens in the back to display information about the trip and an asymmetric support rod to ease the stowing of baggage. The interiors are designed with minimalistic elegance, with space for larger luggage in the back, and windows on all sides except the base, to let the passenger enjoy the view during the short flight. Kite’s four rotors ensure a smooth takeover and landing experience, aided by two parallel skids that retract into the fuselage during flight time.

“In this transition phase when air travel has decreased significantly, KITE offers a new option for inter-city transit within the Greater Bay Area”, Andrea Ponti, founder of Ponti Design Studio, explains. “With its sophisticated design, composite materials and advanced technology, KITE is a sustainable and attractive alternative to more traditional forms of air or land transport. KITE also embodies the innovative drive of this up-and-coming region, and it promotes the advancement of scientific and technological research, not only in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area but in all of Asia”.