Flying CARS will hit skies next year as holiday hotspot signs huge deal with 198mph airborne taxi firm

FLYING cars from the future could soon become a reality with modern taxis cruising through the air at high speeds.

A California-based company called Joby Aviation has signed a deal with Dubai to host commercial flying taxis as soon as 2025.

(A pre-production prototype aircraft at Joby's flight test facility in Marina, California. Credit: AP)

The luxury means of travel will involve paying passengers booking their desired trip through an app and waiting at "vertiports", similar to today's airports, for a propeller-powered taxi to pick them up.
Each VTOL aircraft will be able to carry four passengers and one pilot.

Travelling at speeds of up to 198 miles per hour, customers will enjoy a unique view of Dubai while making their way to their destinations.

According to Joby Aviation, the US company behind the all-electric aircraft, a flight from Dubai Airport to the glitzy tree-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah will take just 10 minutes by air taxi.

By car, the same journey would take 45 minutes.
Joby has signed a deal with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to launch air taxi operations in the UAE by early 2026, with its first service in 2025.

The agreement gives the company exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.

Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation JoeBen Bevirt said it was an honour to partner with Dubai's government to demonstrate the value of sustainable air travel to the world.

He said: "We're looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we're excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE."

The unique aircraft takes off straight up into the air, rather than having to build up speed along the ground first, and is fully electric, meaning it does not emit toxic pollutants.

And it is powered by six electric motors, which Joby said allows for a smooth ride more akin to travelling in an SUV than a plane.

Much like competitive cab services on the ground, passengers will only be able to use the Joby aircraft for short distances as it runs out of charge at 100 miles.

(An electric air taxi by Joby sits at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York City.Credit: Reuters)

(Powered by six electric motors, the air taxi ride is reportedly so smooth it resembles travelling by SUV.Credit: Reuters)

Ref: Flying CARS will hit skies next year as holiday hotspot signs huge deal with 198mph airborne taxi firm (thesun)

Photo Credit: Reuters