We Could Finally Get Flying Cars As Taxis Said To Launch In 2 Years

The UK government’s “Future of Flight” action plan, announced by the Department for Transport is a vision for incorporating flying taxis and drones into everyday life by the year 2030. This plan is set to be great for the economy, and its an innovation the world has been waiting for for years.

Flying taxis, which is said to be a reality for pilots first, and then for public services next, are promised to bring a greener and quieter solution to traditional methods of transport.

What’s Exactly Is The Plan?

In a nutshell, the plan is as follows. They will be:

• Launching piloted flying taxi flights by 2026 and introducing routine services by 2028.
• Initiating regular drone deliveries by 2027 and testing autonomous flying taxis by 2030.
• Facilitating drones beyond the visual line of sight, reviving smaller aerodromes, and establishing ‘vertiports’ for vertical take-off and landing crafts.

Drones are set to improve emergency services and logistics, and their projections suggesting they could contribute £45 billion to the UK economy by 2030. Anthony Browne, the Aviation and Technology Minister, mentions, “This plan will revolutionise transport, ensuring the UK leads the dramatic shift in how we move people and goods.”

How Will The Initiative Impact Society?

The “Future of Flight” initiative is set to:

• Create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.
• Provide quicker, cleaner, and more efficient transportation options.
• Enhance emergency services and public safety through innovative uses of drone technology.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports and chairman of the Future of Flight Industry Group, stated, “The UK is in an ideal position to lead the next era of aviation, ensuring we capitalise on significant market opportunities.”

How Will This Benefit the Environment?

Cleaner Skies and Quieter Streets

The Future of Flight initiative is set to make transporting more sustainable. The focus on electric, Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft means cleaner transport methods that produce less noise and air pollution.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, highlights the environmental benefits, saying, “We are leading the next revolution of flight towards zero emissions globally.”

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Drones are already making a difference in the NHS, greatly cutting down delivery times and reducing carbon emissions. For instance, the Skyfarer and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust partnership has showcased that drones can decrease CO2 emissions by up to 99.8% compared to traditional delivery methods.

What Are the Hiccups and Solutions?

Overcoming Public Worry

Now, as much as this initiative speaks to what we thought the future would look like, public acceptance is what is needed for the drones and eVTOLs to be a part of our daily lives.

People are worried about their privacy and safety, and in the case of drones helping with crime, there may be inaccuracies.

Ensuring Safety and Security

The Civil Aviation Authority will be maintaining safety standards for flight tech. The more eVTOLs and drones become more common, the more there is a need for the CAA to make sure that these new entrants meet the same safety standards as traditional aviation.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation at the CAA, assures that they aim to do both innovate and maintain safety throughout.