Everything you need to know about flying taxis

The chance to fly through traffic jams in some of the world’s biggest cities sounds like a long-awaited vision of the future. Now, that vision is becoming a reality in major cities such as Dubai and New York. Just recently, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) announced its ‘Future of Flight’ action plan, with the goal of having the first eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) taxis in London’s skies as early as two years from now. Here’s what you can expect:

What’s the latest news?

More than 150 technology companies are working on vehicles, and there’s a near consensus that the flying taxis of the near future will resemble drones. Over the past 15 years, propeller-driven drones have evolved from wobbly, crash-prone toys to devices that can deliver packages to remote locations or display light displays. Advances in lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, and the software that aids flight have brought about major changes.

Taking advantage of this new technology, California-based Joby Aviation is one of the companies developing eVTOL aircraft. The flying taxi uses a combination of six electric motors and propellers that tilt to help maneuver in tight spaces and reach speeds of 200 miles per hour. It has a range of 160 miles between charges, can carry four aircraft, and will be operated, at least initially. It has a lower carbon footprint and no exhaust gas than traditional vehicles. And it’s also nearly silent. Guy Norris, editor of Aviation Week magazine, saw the prototype and said, “The aircraft made only a partially perceptible sound.”

Where will they arrive first?

Similar to the global rise of electric vehicles, innovation is also coming from China. Drone maker EHang received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its flying taxis last year. The company currently has orders for 100 aircraft to be used for sightseeing and shuttle flights over Hefei, and is continuing to develop unmanned aircraft.

In the UK, Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace is a pioneer, having received a £37 million government grant to complete the development of a five-seater eVTOL flying taxi. This has passed the design approval stage of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is a candidate for trials to begin over London by 2026, with the installation of a “vertiport” that will allow flying taxis to take off and land vertically. Location is being considered. I explored.

Even in London, “some companies are exploring the possibility of adapting rooftops,” says Will Nathan of Vertical Aerospace. In November 2023, Joby Aviation took off from Manhattan and completed its first test flight of a taxi over New York. Joby claims that the typical one-hour trip from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport can be cut to seven minutes. The company said it plans to introduce its first commercial passenger service next year and has just signed an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to begin in the emirate by 2026.

What safety measures will be put in place for flying taxis?

The two main hurdles to overcome are gaining passenger trust and gaining full approval from safety regulators such as the CAA and the US Federal Aviation Administration. A March 2024 report by aviation safety expert Eveni explains that “lithium-ion batteries can catch fire, especially after damage or high charging rates.” Low-altitude and urban operations mean an increased likelihood of bird strikes, so manufacturers must consider the impact of damage, especially around batteries and lift thrust units. ” EHang emphasizes that its flying taxis include “backups for all major flight components,” so if one fails, another will come to the rescue.

Will it be affordable?

Firstly, it costs around £1 million per plane to produce, so probably no. While some eVTOL companies are already promising low fares, the earliest ones are likely to fill the helicopter void, bringing first-class airline passengers to major airports in a quieter way while reducing emissions. and the city center. However, like the democratization of many rapidly advancing technologies, we can expect that improvements in supply will provide us all with the opportunity to take advantage of flying taxis in the future.