Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that flying taxis will be implemented as part of a deal made with Joby Aviation. Virgin Atlantic’s deal ensures these taxis will provide ideal zero-emission journeys across the UK from its Heathrow and Manchester hubs.
The Flying Taxis Which are Being Used
The Californian aviation company Joby is trialling its electric air taxis, designed for four passengers. The taxis aim to get passengers from one destination to another at up to 200mph.
Six propellers are used on each taxi to allow for a quieter take-off and landing, creating less noise than today’s helicopters. The plan is for these taxis to be deployed for journeys of up to 100 miles.
Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, commented on these taxis:
“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to airports and cities throughout the UK.”
The Plan for the Rollout
While there is no official date for these taxis to take to the skies, a government plan is in place for these to be officially implemented by the beginning of 2026.
Joby is also looking to create a series of landing points throughout the UK, which have been named ‘vertiports’. In accordance with a ‘Future of Flight Action Plan’, the full rollout is hoped to be complete by the end of the decade.
Would you be willing to be a passenger in Virgin Atlantic’s flying taxi? Let us know in the comments below.
