The UK government has published what it calls the “Future of Flight” action plan, which it hopes will lead to regular flying taxi services by 2028.
The plan sets out a roadmap for drones and new electric aircraft in the UK, with the first piloted flying taxi flight due in 2026 and regular services two years later.
The action plan also wants to see “regular deliveries of drones across our skies by 2027 and demonstrations of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030.”
The DfT said drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45bn by the end of the decade, highlighting its potential uses for the police and the NHS.
In 2021, Virgin Atlantic revealed its ambitions to establish a network of short-haul passenger flights. using eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. The airline has partnered with Bristol-based manufacturer Vertical Aerospace, with options to purchase up to 150 eVTOL aircraft.
And in 2022, UK-based Urban-Air Port will open a temporary demonstration center for eVTOL vehicles and autonomous cargo drones, in a car park in central Coventry.
World's first 'fully operational centre' for eVTOL and drones unveiled in Coventry
The DfT said flying taxis are “already going through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorization process” and said the action plan “strikes a balance between innovation, safety and emissions reductions”.
The document also sets out plans to allow drones to fly beyond the line of sight, the development of standards to improve drone safety and the involvement of communities and local authorities.
The government is interested in using eVTOL technology as a way to “bring smaller airfields to life by establishing how they can operate as vertiports”.
Last year, Spanish infrastructure operator Ferrovail announced a new partnership with property developer Milligan to develop vertiport locations in the UK. The group is collaborating with Milligan to identify potential sites for eVTOL operations.
New partnership launched to develop UK vertiports
Commenting on the news, Sophie O'Sullivan, head of future safety and innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Aviation is on the cusp of its next revolution, potentially the biggest, since the invention of the jet engine. Drones, eVTOL, and other different vehicles have the potential to change transportation options forever.
“We welcome the strong direction the government’s action plan on the future of flight provides the industry as it continues to innovate. “Our role in this bright future of aviation will be to enable technological advances and provide regulatory support, while ensuring that all forms of new aviation technology enjoy the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.”
While the UK hopes to have regular air taxi services by 2028, other countries are moving forward with eVTOL plans much sooner.
Japan wants to launch flying taxi services in time for the 2025 Osaka World Expoand urban air mobility provider Volocopter recently confirmed that its eVTOL services are on track to launch in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Volocopter to launch electric air taxis in time for Paris 2024 Olympics
gov.uk, caa.co.uk
