Fire and Flight: China's Ehang Soars Above Westeros (and the FAA!)

A Dragonrider's Perspective on Flight

As the Mother of Dragons I know a thing or two about flying. And while my children offer a certain… *fiery* mode of transportation I can't help but be intrigued by these new "eVTOL" contraptions. Apparently some company called Ehang has managed to get these things certified in China to carry people. Meanwhile across the Narrow Sea it seems the Americans are still fiddling with parchments and quills trying to figure out if they want people to fly in machine birds. It seems to me that 'when you play the game of thrones you win or you die'. Apparently China is winning the game of thrones in the low altitude economy.

China's Air Supremacy: A New Kind of Dragon?

Bank of America (whoever THEY are) predicts Ehang will dominate the Chinese market for the next few years. It seems the Chinese government is backing this wholeheartedly investing in infrastructure and handing out subsidies like Varys whispers secrets. Meanwhile what are *we* doing in Westeros? Still arguing about who gets to sit on the Iron Throne I wager. Perhaps instead of squabbling we should be building our own fleet of dragon free air taxis. 'I will do what queens do. I will rule.'

From Westeros to the Skies: Tourism Takes Flight

Apparently Ehang intends to use these flying machines for tourism. Imagine soaring above King's Landing (after I've rebuilt it of course!) in a silent electric bird. No more bumpy roads or smelly horses. The analysts predict each tourist attraction will want to buy five to 10 eVTOLs supporting a total potential China market of 80,000 units. 'The next time you raise a hand to me will be the last time you have hands'.

The Price of Progress (and Pilotless Flight)

These things cost a pretty penny mind you. The Ehang model goes for around $330,000 in China and $410,000 elsewhere. Another company Joby sells a larger model for $1.3 million. One could buy quite a few Unsullied for that price! But perhaps it's a worthwhile investment. Think of the possibilities: delivering food to the Eyrie ferrying lords to Winterfell in a matter of hours... the realm would be forever changed! 'I am Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name the Unburnt Queen of Meereen Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons'.

US Lags Behind: A Direwolf's Disappointment

The report mentions that the US is still working on regulations for these things. Honestly it's like watching the Night's Watch try to figure out how to stop the White Walkers – slow and ineffective. They're focusing on *piloted* flights first. What's the point? Let the machines fly themselves! It's the future! Someone needs to light a fire under the FAA... a dragon fire perhaps? 'Dracarys!'

The Winds of Caution (and Crashes)

Of course there's always the risk of a crash. One accident and Ehang's reputation could go up in flames faster than the Sept of Baelor. But as I always say 'Fire cannot kill a dragon.' And hopefully a minor mishap won't kill the dream of affordable accessible air travel. Now if you'll excuse me I have a dragon to feed… and a world to conquer. 'I will take what is mine with fire and blood.'