If the latest
actions by the Federal Aviation Administration are any indication, the air taxi
is coming closer to reality.
The FAA has approved
an app development by Joby Aviation for on-demand service for the air taxi.
Think of it as
calling for an Uber or a cab. It is seemingly the next step in the evolution of
an air taxi service in this country.
“The air taxi
service we plan to deliver isn’t like any sort of air travel that’s existed before,”
said Eric Allison, chief product officer at Joby. “We expect travelers to
book on demand and be boarding an aircraft minutes later, much like ground
transportation.”
The air taxi being
developed by Joby can travel 200 miles per hour and carry four passengers.
It has not gone
for approval from the FAA as of yet, but it has partnered with Delta Air Lines.
The company has no plans to operate without having a pilot on board.
Another air taxi
company, Archer Aviation, received a $450 million investment from Boeing and
has a partnership with United Airlines. A company in China is already flying
two air taxi planes. Both are without pilots. But it should be noted that Joby
also has a relationship with the United States Department of Defense, which
obviously has a vested interest in the technology. It also has a partnership
with the United States Air Force.
Whether the
traveling public is ready for it remains
to be seen.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
