Flying taxis in Dubai to be as cheap as Uber rides in future

There is much excitement in the air ever since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on February 12 that flying taxis will start operating in Dubai in three years’ time and approved the design of air taxi stations in the city. The models are on display at the stand of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) during the ongoing World Government Summit.

Know your flying taxi :

Sustainable: The aerial taxi is fully electric and will have zero operating emissions.

Speed: It will have a range of 241 kilometres before needing a recharge, and a top speed of 300 km/hr. It takes off and lands vertically.

Capacity: It can accommodate up to four passengers plus a driver.

Cost: It will be as cheap as Uber rides in the future, according to Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA. But initially the pricing will be in the range of a limousine service, even higher, he noted.

When can we fly? Residents and tourists could fly in the aerial taxis as early as 2026 although initially it is likely to serve businesspeople and tourists owing to cost factors.

Where can we go? Initially it will fly within Dubai but inter-city travel is a possibility in the future. That would mean a Dubai to Abu Dhabi trip in 30 minutes or Dubai to Fujairah, and so on.

Which company will supply the taxi? The prototype on display at WGS is a six-rotor electric flying taxi made by Joby Aviation of Santa Cruz, California.

Are there specific launch pads? At first, there will be four “vertiports” – at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. The vertiports will have take-off and landing pads, a passenger waiting area, security protocols, and electric charging stations.

The first swanky vertiport will come up near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. There will be two levels for car parking while the roof will serve as the terminal for air taxis. These stations seamlessly integrate with other modes of transportation.

Who builds the vertiports? Skyports is the company that is building the vertiports. It has already identified potential spots including one near the Emirates metro station and DXB airport; an air-conditioned bridge will connect the vertiport with the metro station.