Are flying taxis going to be the new way of getting around town? Dubai is hoping that it most certainly will be in just three years’ time – as the designs for new air taxi stations across the city are approved.
United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has announced the approval of the designs for new air taxi stations across the city.
Renewing Dubai’s commitment to the flying taxi programme,he said the services will start operating within three years’ time – after first being touted in 2017.
A promotional video, which was also tweeted out by the ruler, shows a six-rotor electric flying taxi made by Joby Aviation, which is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.
The US aviation company, highlighting the innovation after a meeting with the leader, tweeted that Dubai was “a high-growth, high-innovation economy” and that it was “honoured to present Joby” and “discuss what aerial ridesharing can do for Dubai”.
It’s time for lift-off
In the video, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it has been working with leading advanced air mobility companies – Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation.
“We’re excited about the opportunity and actively exploring the possibility,” said Oliver Walker-Jones, a spokesman for Joby Aviation said.
It is hoped there will be “safe and efficient operations” of the aircraft and a “smooth end-to-end passenger journey”.
The firm’s plans include vertical take-offs and landings with zero operating emissions.