Flying Taxis Set to Take Off in 2 Years, Government Plans Revealed
The United Kingdom could witness the launch of its first flying taxi service as early as 2026, with these aerial vehicles becoming a common sight in the skies by 2028, according to a government announcement.
Outlined in the Future of Flight action plan, developed in collaboration with the aerospace industry, the initiative also forecasts the increased autonomy of drones and other flying vehicles, envisioning the debut of the first pilotless flying taxi by 2030.
Flying taxis, resembling futuristic helicopters, are a subset of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and are anticipated to initially serve as exclusive modes of transport, potentially replacing costly helicopter journeys. While the technology for such vehicles exists presently, significant challenges in infrastructure development and public acceptance must be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.
The Department for Transport’s plan also entails expanding drone operations beyond visual line of sight, facilitating applications such as medical supply transport, rural postal delivery, and law enforcement activities.
However, the realization of flying taxis faces hurdles, particularly in infrastructure development and garnering public confidence, asserts Craig Roberts, head of drones at PwC. Overcoming these challenges is deemed essential for meeting the ambitious 2026 target.
Craig emphasizes the potential of flying taxis for longer-distance travel with higher occupancy rates, highlighting a hypothetical journey from Liverpool to Leeds in just 26 minutes. However, achieving public acceptance hinges on demonstrating convenience and ensuring robust security measures.
Regulation has traditionally lagged behind technological advancements in this field, notes Dr. Nadjim Horri, an aerospace control expert at the University of Leicester. Yet, he observes a shift towards aligning regulations with technological progress, suggesting that 2026 is a feasible timeline for the deployment of flying taxis.
The proposed infrastructure for flying taxis includes the establishment of “mini airports” tailored for drone operations. Urban Air Port, a company at the forefront of this initiative, emphasizes the need for substantial infrastructure investment to support the integration of flying taxis into urban transportation networks.
While the timeline outlined in the government’s plan is ambitious, industry stakeholders view it as a crucial step forward in advancing aerial mobility. The government’s intention to establish the first vertiport this year signals progress in this direction, although the creation of new regulations will likely be necessary to accommodate autonomous air taxis by 2030.
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