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London could see the lightning flying taxi A British aerospace company has announced that the airport will transport passengers by 2028 at the earliest.
Vertical Aerospace aims to get regulatory approval within three years for its Valo aircraft, designed to carry up to six passengers.
Initial commercial routes are expected to include important airport to city center connections.
The public will get a chance to see a full-scale prototype of the innovative vehicle at an open house event Canary Wharf this Wednesday.
“Velo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality – clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service,” Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, said in a statement Wednesday.
“It marks a new dawn in transportation, connecting 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 build seven certification aircraft in the UK for final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The aircraft must enter commercial service after receiving type certification, which is a regulated approval issued to new aircraft designs by regulatory bodies such as EASA and CAA to guarantee that they meet safety standards.
Designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds up to 150 mph, the Valo is expected to launch with a four-seat cabin, six cabin bags and six checked bags, panoramic windows and a cockpit divider for privacy and security, Vertical Aerospace said.
However, the aircraft’s design allows for expansion to six seats, which could reduce fares for passengers, the company said.
A spokesperson for Vertical said, “Like all new technology, Vertical Aerospace expects its aircraft to initially be a premium product used for airport transfers, but as production increases it will evolve and become very affordable.”
For example, aircraft are designed to be significantly cheaper than helicopters and to compete with ground transportation.
“Where it starts to be economical is that we’ve got a vehicle that can fly multiple times a day, carry a lot of passengers, require very little maintenance, and is very efficient in operation.
“After all, this plane is likely to cost the same as hiring an Uber.
“We’re selling the planes. Our customers will set the prices (for the trips).”
According to Vertical Aerospace, the aircraft can also support emergency medical services and cargo missions.
Domhnall Slattery, President of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Velo sets a new standard – bigger, safer and more capable than anything else in the field.
“This is a breakthrough for aviation and a clear sign of UK leadership in aerospace.
“The Valo embodies the best of the best verticals – precision engineering, passenger-first design and deep collaboration with global aerospace partners – creating an aircraft with the most compelling operator economics.”
Vertical’s public open house will take place at Peligon in Canary Wharf between 10am and 2pm.