Regular electric flying taxi services could be launched by 2028 in the UK under plans revealed by the British government as part of its Future of Flying initiative.
The UK government laid out plans for the development of these quieter and more sustainable aircraft, known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, in a new document launched on Monday (18 March) setting out a roadmap for a new generation of aircraft, which also includes drones.
The plan includes launching the first piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 with regular services set to begin two years later. The roadmap also calls for the testing of autonomous flying taxis, which will operate without human pilots on board by 2030.
The government also wants to “breathe life” into smaller aerodromes around the UK by allowing them to operate as vertiports or “mini airports” for eVTOL aircraft and drones.
Anthony Browne, who is the UK’s aviation and technology minister, said: “Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality.
“From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy.”
Browne made his comments ahead of a visit to Vertical Aerospace in Bristol, which is one of the companies currently developing electric flying taxis.
These new flying taxis are currently undergoing an authorisation process conducted by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).