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UK Government Targets Flying Taxis by 2028 with £20M Investment

Transport Minister Mike Kane outlines plans to integrate flying taxis and advanced drones into the UK's transport network, aiming for zero-emission regional connectivity by the end of the decade.

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Overview

  • The UK government has allocated £20 million to advance electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone technologies, with a focus on regulatory reform and public adoption.
  • Flying taxis are projected to begin operations in UK skies by 2028, with enhanced drone capabilities expected by 2027.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport will be supported by a newly established Regulatory Innovation Office to streamline regulations and accelerate deployment.
  • Joby Aviation, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, plans to launch zero-emission, short-range flights connecting hubs like Heathrow and Manchester, using air taxis capable of speeds up to 200 mph.
  • Key infrastructure developments, including vertiports and digital airspace management systems, are underway to ensure the safety and efficiency of these advanced transport solutions.