Flying taxis could be in London’s skies by 2028, developers say

Electric flying taxis will be in the skies by 2028, an aircraft manufacturer has claimed.

At a launch event, developers Vertical Aerospace said the Valo aircraft, which can take off vertically, will offer a “more sustainable”, zero-emissions alternative to road taxis.

The aircraft is currently undergoing testing, but the manufacturer said it would travel at up to 150mph and reduce journey times.

The flying taxi service is still subject to approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA), and developers say more investment is needed.

Valo will be able to travel a distance of up to 100 miles, and, if it is approved, will initially start with journeys from Canary Wharf.

Each journey, which will be piloted and accommodate up to six passengers, will cost passengers about the same price as a black cab, it is claimed.

The manufacturers are aiming to produce 175 of the flying taxis by 2030.

“Like all new technology, Vertical Aerospace expects its aircraft will initially be a premium product used for airport transfers, but will evolve and become very affordable once production grows,” a spokesperson for Vertical said.

“Where it starts to become affordable is, we’ve got a vehicle that can fly lots of times a day, can carry lots of passengers, needs very little maintenance, is very efficient to operate.

“Ultimately, the potential is for this aircraft to be a similar cost as hiring an Uber,” the spokesperson added.

BBC London transport correspondent Tom Edwards said: “The engineers behind this are adamant the technology is already there to launch electric aircraft into the skies and they think the engines are cheaper, simpler and easier to maintain than existing helicopters.

“Ultimately, they want the fares to be affordable and cost the same as a black cab between Canary Wharf and Heathrow.

“How it pans out probably depends as much on raising more investment as the technology.

“But the company are confident these electric machines will be in the skies of London by 2028.”

Stuart Simpson, the CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Electric flight will transform how cities move, and London is one of the best places in the world to prove it.

“These plans show the commercial potential of services we aim to see operating following regulatory approval in 2028, and we look forward to bringing them to life with our partners.”