Would You Travel by Flying Taxi? Here's Everything You Need to Know

The chance to soar over traffic in some of the world’s great metropolises sounds like a vision of the future that’s been a long while coming. And now, that vision is about to become reality in major cities such as Dubai, London, and New York. Most recently, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has issued its Future of Flight action plan, aiming to have the first eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) taxis over London as soon as two years from now. Here’s what to expect.

What’s the Latest?

More than 150 technology companies have been working towards developing flying taxis, with a consensus that the flying taxi of the near future will resemble a drone. Over the past 15 years, propeller-driven drones have evolved significantly, thanks to advances in lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, and flight guidance software.

California-based Joby Aviation is one of the companies developing eVTOL aircraft. Its flying taxi uses six electric motors and propellers that can tilt to help it maneuver in tight spaces and reach speeds of 200 mph. With a 100-mile range between charges, it can carry four passengers and will initially be piloted. The vehicle boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles, producing no exhaust emissions and operating nearly silently. According to Guy Norris, an editor at Aviation Week who has seen a prototype, "The aircraft made only a partially perceptible sound."

Where Will They Arrive First?

China is a leader in flying taxi innovation, with drone manufacturer EHang gaining approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of China last year. EHang has taken orders for 100 craft for sightseeing and shuttle flights in Hefei and is developing a pilotless version.

In the UK, Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace has received £37 million in government grants to develop its five-seater eVTOL flying taxi, which has cleared the design approval stage with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Testing in London is expected to begin by 2026, with potential vertiport locations being explored.

Joby Aviation has also made significant strides, completing its first test flight over New York in November 2023. The company aims to reduce the usual one-hour journey from Manhattan to John F Kennedy International Airport to just seven minutes. Joby plans to introduce the first commercial passenger service next year and has signed a six-year exclusive deal with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to launch in the Emirate by 2026.

What Safety Measures Will Flying Taxis Have?

Winning passenger confidence and gaining full approval from safety regulators such as the CAA and the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) are crucial. A March 2024 report by aviation safety specialists Ebeni highlights potential risks, such as the ignition of Li-Ion batteries and bird strikes. Manufacturers like EHang emphasize that their flying taxis include back-ups for all major flight components to ensure safety.

Will They Be Affordable?

Initially, flying taxis are unlikely to be affordable, with production costs around £1 million per aircraft. While some eVTOL companies are promising low fares, the earliest services will likely target niches similar to helicopters, shuttling first-class airline passengers between major airports and city centers. However, as production scales and technology advances, the cost is expected to decrease, potentially making flying taxis a common mode of urban transport in the future.