Dubai’s flying taxis could launch as early as 2026 | World News

Flying taxis may be here sooner than you think, as Dubai hopes to launch its “air ride-sharing” service by 2026.

United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announces approval of design for new air taxi station City.

He reiterated Dubai’s commitment to the flying taxi program, saying the service would be up and running within three years – after it was first touted in 2017.

Ruler also tweeted a promotional video showing a six-rotor electric flying taxi made by Santa Cruz, California-based Joby Aviation.

The U.S. airline highlighted innovation after meeting with leaders, tweeting that Dubai is “a high-growth, high-innovation economy” and that it is “honored to introduce Joby” and “discuss what air-sharing can do for Dubai.” What”.

it’s time to take 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 are excited about this opportunity and are actively exploring the possibility,” Joby Aviation spokesman Oliver Walker-Jones said.

It is hoped that the aircraft will “operate safely and efficiently” and enable a “smooth end-to-end passenger journey”.

The company’s plans include zero-emission vertical takeoff and landing.

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Here’s what we know about the plane so far

• Aircraft can carry one pilot and four passengers

• The taxi can reach a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour

• There will be ‘vertiports’ linking the four main areas of Dubai

• Stations will be: New Dubai International Airport; Downtown; Palm Jumeirah; and Dubai Marina.

social media reaction

The flying taxi has received positive feedback in Dubai, with many users sharing their excitement on Twitter.

“As a kid I used to imagine seeing a flying taxi so we wouldn’t have to wait in a crowded street and stop at a traffic light,” one user wrote.

Another user said: “I used to watch cartoon series and fantasy movies. I didn’t expect this to happen in reality!!”

Not the first and probably not the last

This isn’t the first time the idea of ​​flying taxis has been introduced to cities.

Since 2017, the United Arab Emirates has seen a series of different aircraft and company cycle-through schemes.

They are usually scheduled to appear at the annual World Government Summit in Dubai, which this year included the latest Joby initiative.

Last year, a Chinese company, XPeng Aeroht, showed off its two-seat electric VTOL flying car in a demonstration.

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