The UK government has unveiled its ambitious ‘Future of Flight’ action plan, with the aim of establishing regular flying taxi services by 2028.
This comprehensive plan outlines a roadmap for integrating drones and innovative electric aircraft into UK airspace, targeting the inaugural piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 and achieving regular services within two years thereafter.
In addition to flying taxis, the action plan envisions “regular drone deliveries across our skies by 2027 and demonstrations of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030”.
The Department for Transport (DfT) emphasised the potential economic benefits of drone technology, estimating a boost of £45 billion to the UK economy by the decade’s end. It also highlighted the utility of drones for various sectors such as law enforcement and healthcare.
Virgin Atlantic had previously announced plans in 2021 to establish a network of short-haul passenger flights using electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, partnering with Bristol-based manufacturer Vertical Aerospace for up to 150 eVTOL aircraft.
Furthermore, Urban-Air Port, based in the UK, unveiled a temporary demonstrator hub for eVTOL vehicles and autonomous cargo drones in Coventry in 2022.
The DfT stated that flying taxis are currently undergoing authorization processes by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), emphasizing that the action plan aims to balance innovation, security, safety, and emission reduction.
Additionally, the plan includes provisions for drones to fly beyond visual line of sight, the establishment of standards to enhance drone security, and collaboration with communities and local authorities.
The government sees eVTOL technology as an opportunity to revitalize smaller aerodromes by enabling them to function as vertiports. Spanish infrastructure operator Ferrovail has announced a partnership with real estate developer Milligan to identify potential vertiport locations in the UK.
Sophie O’Sullivan, head of future safety and innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, welcomed the government’s direction, highlighting the potential transformative impact of drones and eVTOL technology on transportation options.
While the UK aims for regular flying taxi services by 2028, other countries are advancing their eVTOL plans. Japan plans to launch flying taxi services by the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, and Volocopter, an urban air mobility provider, is on track to launch eVTOL services for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.