The technology is being introduced in partnership with US company Joby Aviation, under which a fully electric air taxi will be available to ordinary passengers in Dubai from next year. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the aircraft is capable of taking off and landing without a runway, similar to a helicopter.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video of the test flight on social media, calling it the “ride of the future.” The test was conducted in the desert area of Dubai, where all important aspects of air flight were carefully examined.
The speed and capacity of the air taxi make it a revolutionary step for public transport, with a maximum speed of 320 km/h and a distance limit of 160 km per flight, taking just 12 minutes from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah (while the same distance is covered by road in about 45 minutes).The RTA says that this air taxi will not only be a time-saving tool but will also be an eco-friendly and noise-free travel facility, which is in line with Dubai’s sustainable and smart city vision.
The first station for initial commercial flights is being established near Dubai International Airport, from where the flying vehicles will travel to various important destinations. If this project starts with complete success, Dubai will become the first city in the world where flying taxis will be used as regular public transport.
Joben Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: “Dubai is becoming a launchpad to revolutionize the aviation of the future. This trial is a demonstration of our technology’s confidence and we are confident that Dubai will become a model for major cities around the world.”
