The aircraft, powered entirely by electricity, will recharge in ten minutes between journeys while producing negligible emissions.
Air taxis in the United Arab Emirates could reduce the travel time from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah by 10 minutes, with maximum velocities of 320 kilometres per hour.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, asserts this is the case.
"With their limited charging time, speed, and range, these vehicles can transport passengers from Dubai Airport to the Palm Jumeirah airport in less than ten minutes," he said.
Additionally, he stated that the aircraft could transport passengers between the various emirates.
One positive aspect is that these aircraft possess a considerable range,' he said. "This potentially permits inter-emirate travel." Thus, while we have ambitious aspirations, our initial operational focus will be on routes originating from Dubai.
The groundbreaking project represents a three-way partnership
Skyports: Responsible for constructing the vertiports where the air taxis will land.
Joby Aviation: The aircraft operator.
RTA: The entity managing the entire operation.
During the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, all three parties reached conclusive agreements, thereby advancing the realization of the project by one stage.
Ahmed asserts that the public will be permitted to view the endeavour in 2026. "The plan is to introduce our inaugural service in Dubai using six air taxis in 2026," he explained. "At the time, it may have been the first service of its kind in the world." Much remains to be learned. We will determine what individuals are seeking by gauging demand."
He stated that the vertiport will receive end-to-end service from the RTA. "We have complete authority over all mobility services," he declared. "We will, therefore, ensure that the vertiport is connected to the metro station." There is a possibility that we will offer limo services. That service will be comprehensive.
The Aircraft
The WGS featured an exhibit of a Joby aircraft model. An initial pilot will operate the aircraft, which has four passenger seats and one seat in the front. Ahmed predicted, "Over time, it might also become autonomous."
Recharging between flights will require only ten minutes and produce negligible emissions, as the aircraft is powered entirely by electricity.
The UAE will conduct flight testing beginning the following year, according to JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. Early in 2025, testing is anticipated to commence, he stated. The commercial service is expected to be released in 2026.
Currently enduring safety certifications by the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft has been in flight testing within the United States since 2017. He explained, "It can travel up to 160 kilometres at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour."
Tiniest defer period
Duncan Walker, CEO and co-founder of Skyports, asserts that boarding the air taxis will entail a smooth procedure. "Walking through should be possible," he advised. "Airports and tickets are unnecessary." Implementing biometrics for seamless security clearance."
The air taxis will park at vertiports that resemble airports, except in the absence of terminal delays. "There will be dining and drinking areas in the terminals, in addition to highly technological features," he explained. "However, airport wait times will be absent." Time is being saved by utilizing this service. The flight to the air transport will be swift and take up to two minutes.
Beginning this June, construction on the vertiports will commence. The company has been conducting preliminary research and has allotted the necessary space for its construction. His statement continued, "The one at Dubai International Airport will serve as a true hub for us." "We begin construction on the first one in June of this year after completing the airspace survey and obtaining the necessary electricity." Completed by the conclusion of 2025.
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