According to Gulf News, Dubai may see Mars-inspired air taxis on the road in as little as 28 months. These air taxis, modelled after the NASA “Ingenuity” helicopter that is now in operation on Mars, may soon be used to carry people and goods throughout Dubai.
The Austrian company Fly Now, which intends to begin commercial aviation operations in 28 months, is the creative force behind this concept. The sooner the better, as global authorities worry that megacities’ traffic systems may fail due to the sheer volume of traffic. The eVTOL, or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, is incredibly silent, features collision avoidance sensors, and has a cruise speed of 130 km/h.
Electric air taxis are a solution to crowded and congested cities
Adam Goldstein of Archer pointed out that half of the world’s population currently resides in big cities. By 2040, Goldstein predicts that the percentage will rise to two-thirds.
Helicopters that transport commuters above the gridlock have seemed an obvious option, but according to Goldstein, only two significant cities are now using them to any significant extent: New York City and Sao Paulo. Any future expansion has been halted since helicopters emit noise and pollute the environment.
On the other hand, Goldstein claimed that Midnight is made to be almost silent, which solves the noise problems related to helicopters. It can carry four passengers and travel up to 100 miles at 150 miles per hour. With three sets of propellers to ensure sustained flying in the case of failures, safety is a top focus
Networks of electric air taxis can be put into place quite fast
During the sessions on urban air mobility, Sebastian Borel, the Chief Commercial Officer of Lilium, stated that eVTOL networks might be a more cost-effective option than even constructing rail lines.
It may take ten years to implement an intercity train service, according to Borel, and would require an expenditure of €8 billion at a cost of €30 million per km. However, Borel claims that an eVTOL network can be developed swiftly and affordably while offering the same environmental benefits as an electrified rail line.
The role that collaborations play in bringing eVTOLs to life
Adam Goldstein of Archer emphasised the value of collaborations in enabling his electric air taxi business to become a market leader and eventually grow. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office is supporting the company’s goals in the United Arab Emirates. The route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest Emirates and economic hubs in the UAE will be implemented with assistance from Falcon Air Services in Abu Dhabi in the interim.
Speaking about the US, where Archer plans to get into business in 2025, Goldstein stated that his company’s success has been largely due to the important alliances it has forged, such as the $1.5 billion aircraft order that United Airlines has placed.
Archer Aviation is also owned by United Airlines, which has previously revealed city centre to airport flights in Chicago (to O’Hare) and New York (to Newark). Archer’s board member Oscar Munoz, a Chicago resident and former CEO of United, is currently seated. He discussed the following significant benefits of United’s new Chicago route in his book “Sustainability in the Air”:
A focus on the passenger experience
eVTOL planes are a whole new class of aircraft that both pilots and passengers are not yet familiar with. This is one of the areas being tackled by Berlin-based Nex, which will have a longer range thanks to hydrogen fuel cells, in contrast to Archer and Lilium’s all-electric solutions.
By the middle of the decade, the company hopes to introduce a freight eVTOL, and by 2029 or 2030, a passenger version will be available. Nex displayed a virtual reality headset at the Dubai Air Show, allowing guests to experience what it would be like to be a pilot and passenger on a flight from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, in addition to showcasing a model of its aircraft on the German pavilion.
FAQs
How do air taxis work in Dubai?
Air taxis in Dubai operate on a reservation or on-demand basis. Passengers can book a flight using a designated app or platform, specifying their desired pick-up and drop-off locations.
Who operates air taxis in Dubai?
Several companies operate air taxis in Dubai, with the government partnering with both local and international companies to bring this futuristic mode of transportation to the city.
What type of aircraft is used for air taxi services?
Air taxis in Dubai typically use vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which can hover and take off vertically, allowing them to operate in urban environments with limited space.
Are air taxis environmentally friendly?
Many air taxis in Dubai are designed to be electric or hybrid, contributing to reduced environmental impact. This aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainability and green transportation solutions.