Dubai is going to become the first city in the world where commercial flying taxi service will start from 2026. America’s Joby Aviation company is involved in this project and they have also completed a successful test flight. This is not a trial but will become a part of Dubai’s transport system.
What will the air taxi be like?
It will be based on electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, meaning these taxis will fly without a runway. The taxi will be able to seat 1 pilot and 4 passengers, and will also have a facility to keep luggage. Its range will be 200+ kilometers and speed will be more than 300 km/hour. If we talk about sound, its sound will be 100 times quieter than a helicopter.
Air Taxi Airports
Four ‘vertiports’ (Air Taxi Airports) for air taxis are being built in Dubai at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall and American University of Dubai.
how much will the fare be
Initially, this service will be of premium category, i.e. for rich travelers and business travelers. The initial fare can be as much as a helicopter tour, but in the future there is a plan to make it as cheap as services like Uber.
Rules and safety
Currently, no country has approved (certified) such a taxi for flying. But the UAE government and Aviation Authority are moving this process forward rapidly, so that Dubai can become the first city where it can be flown legally. Initially, the service will be only within Dubai city. Later, this service can start till Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.