The city of New York witnessed its first-ever electric air taxi flight last week, and it could become a commercial passenger service by 2025.
As reported by Reuters, Joby Aviation conducted an exhibition flight at a heliport in Downtown Manhattan – the first time the transportation company has done in an urban center.
So far, the company has achieved the third phase in a five-stage process of acquiring a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in the US. This brings the company closer to its goal of launching its commercial operations as a passenger service in two years.
Three electrified helipad stations will be established at first—one in Lower Manhattan, another at East 34th St, and a third one for exclusively catering to high-profile individuals. These stations are designed not just for passenger embarkation and disembarkation but also as charging hubs. Each four-seater electric air taxi will require approximately five minutes for charging before taking off.
As to how much passengers will need to pay for the unique experience, the company has yet to reveal the exact cost to book a trip but did say it might be close to that of a car rideshare.
Companies in Saudi Arabia and Japan are also advancing in the development of their own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.