London could have Electric flying taxis by 2028, aerospace company claims
A British aviation company has announced that London could see electric flying taxis transporting airport passengers as early as 2028.
Vertical Aerospace aims to gain regulatory approval within three years for the Valo aircraft, which is designed to carry up to six passengers.
The first commercial routes are expected to include vital connections from the airport to the city centre.
The public will have the chance to see a full-scale prototype of the innovative vehicle at a public event in Canary Wharf this Wednesday.
“Valo is the aircraft that makes electric flight a commercial reality; it’s clean, quiet, fast and designed for daily service,” Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson said in a statement Wednesday.
“This marks a new dawn in transportation that will connect people in minutes, not hours.”
Planned destinations for flying taxis departing from Canary Wharf include London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Cambridge, Oxford and Bicester.
The company plans to produce seven certification aircraft in the UK to undergo final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The Valo must enter commercial service after receiving its Type Certificate, which is the regulated approval given to new aircraft designs by regulatory bodies such as EASA and CAA to ensure safety standards are met.
Designed to fly up to 100 mph at speeds of up to 150 mph, the Valo is expected to launch with a four-seat cabin, room for six carry-on bags and six checked bags, panoramic windows and a cockpit compartment for privacy and security, Vertical Aerospace said.
But the company added that the plane’s design allows for expansion to six seats and has the potential to provide lower fares for passengers.
“Like all new technologies, Vertical Aerospace expects its aircraft to initially be a premium product used for airport transfers, but to evolve and become very affordable as production grows,” a spokesperson for Vertical said.
“The aircraft is designed to be much cheaper than, for example, a helicopter and to compete with ground transport.
“The point where it starts to become affordable is that we have a vehicle that can fly many times a day, carry large numbers of passengers, requires very little maintenance, and is very efficient to use.
“All in all, this plane has the potential to cost similar to an Uber rental.
“We sell the planes. Our customers will determine the prices (of the trips).”
The aircraft can also support emergency medical services and cargo missions, according to Vertical Aerospace.
Domhnal Slattery, president of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Valo sets a new standard – it is bigger, safer and more capable than anything in the industry.
“This is a breakthrough for aviation and a clear sign of the UK’s leadership in aerospace.
“Valo embodies the best of the Vertical – precision engineering, passenger-focused design and deep collaboration with global aviation partners – creating an aircraft with the most compelling operator economics.”
Vertical’s public event will take place between 10am and 2pm at The Pelligon in Canary Wharf.
