Regulatory hurdles for flying taxis almost cleared

Talk of flying taxis called eVTOLs were all the rage in 2019. But, only now has the concept gathered enough investment and regulatory ticks to be considered a realistic prospect. This time, they really are close to take-off.

While aviation endeavours to make biofuel a staple of the industry, can eVTOLs become a popular choice for eco-conscious flyers?

Back in 2019, you may recall that big tech start-ups were racing to build commercial flying taxis which would supposedly fly us across cityscapes and oceans without a driver.

At the time, you’d have been forgiven for dismissing the drive as yet another far-fetched technological gimmick that would never actually materialise.

As the situation stands today, however, it appears the deniers may soon have to eat humble pie – perhaps from the comfort of a luxury flying taxi, at least.

An industry spike in 2021

Investors have absolutely flooded the market for electric vehicle take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs) in the last 12 months – we’re talking a 30 fold growth on 2019.

Though it hasn’t received much media attention, major airlines have actually pre-ordered around 1,500 vehicles collectively from different manufacturers in China, Germany, and the US.

Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines alone have requested some 500 eVTOLs, and will spend the next year running tests to turn provisional orders into completed sales.

These companies, of course, will not have the green light to roll out their sci-fi-esque vessels until a regulatory framework encompassing safety, potential security risks, noise pollution, and wildlife impacts is established.

Given that’s a whole lot to consider, you may be surprised to hear that aviation officials are confident of tying up the legislation for commercial use within the next 18 months. Suffice to say, after a lot of conjecture, there is serious industry appetite to make this actually happen.

Nowhere has the prospect of autonomous air taxis been greeted as eagerly as in airline boardrooms. With Covid-19 travel restrictions wreaking havoc over the last two years, there is a feeling that a premium air-taxi service for corporate passengers could help to balance the books.