As we have recently mentioned, things seem to be stalling in the air taxi industry, with regulations and soaring costs keeping the hi-tech aircraft grounded.
Some firms have gone into liquidation while others have shelved their projects because of the hurdles they face. But despite the struggles to get flying taxis off the ground, you wouldn’t bet against Richard Branson to be the first to put electric taxis in the air.
Partnership
The entrepreneur’s Virgin Atlantic group has partnered with California-based Joby Aviation to launch a UK air taxi service, according to The Verge. Joby is working on its US licence and has already reached an agreement to launch flying taxis in Dubai by next year.
Joby’s electric aircraft has six rotors and seats four passengers and a pilot. It can take off vertically, like a helicopter, and can reach a top speed of 200mph, with a range of 150 miles on a single battery charge.
When they do receive clearance, Joby and Virgin Atlantic have picked two key routes to begin flights – 15-minute flights from Manchester Airport to Leeds, and eight-minute flights from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
Expertise
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, said: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK.
“Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
While test flights have been carried out in the US, the UK service cannot take off until the aircraft meets all the FAA’s design and safety standards, and its US-based service has been launched.
In addition to safety regulations, Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority is examining how airports need to be adapted for air taxi flights, including charging and air space.
Development
Joby said it has made record progress in completing four of the five stages required for commercial passenger service in the US and expects to carry its first passengers later this year or early next.
It had hoped to have aircraft flying this year, but the Trump administration is now reviewing the FAA’s final regulations for eVTOLs and it is not known when this will be completed.
Under the partnership with Virgin, passengers will be able to book seats through the Virgin Atlantic website and app. The Verge reports that Virgin Atlantic isn’t investing in Joby, but that their services and expertise will complement each other.
Joby has already received a $200 million investment from Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic. Joby is also expecting a pledged $500 million into the project from Toyota.
The eVTOL aircraft being produced by different manufacturers are generally similar in design and they all face the same safety and legal hurdles before starting routine flights. But adding Virgin’s experience to Joby’s technology could just be the difference that makes it the first to be cleared for take-off.
