🤯 Flying Taxis: Finally A Reality?!
Another day, another Harry Potter magic comes to life. This time with flying cars!
Dubai is all set to launch the World's first air taxi by 2026!
Taking ‘sky is the limit’ literally, these air taxis will connect areas of Downtown Dubai (Burj khalifa Area), Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with Joby Aviation, a California based electric aircraft development company, for this project.
The air taxis will reduce traffic congestion on roads and reduce travel time drastically.
Travelling between Palm Jumeirah and Dubai International Airport will take 10 mins (speed: 320 kmph) that otherwise took 45 mins by car!
How is it different from a helicopter then?
Well, a helicopter is high maintenance.
It needs an elaborate setup (read: runways and helipads)
It is super loud
It uses fuel, resulting in high carbon footprint
On the other hand, air taxis are going to be based on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) design.
They can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for runways and helipads.
Plus, these air taxis are going to be electric.
Using electricity instead of fuel could mean fewer emissions and a lower carbon footprint.
This electric power source and the unique design will also ensure silent take offs and landings.
Now, we know what you have been thinking all through all this time - “How much will these rides cost?!”
Well, just a little higher than a limousine ride in Dubai!
How much does a limousine ride in Dubai cost?
AED 420 (~Rs. 9,500) per hour!:
But as the production increases and tech costs come down, these air taxis can become as affordable as Uber rides in Dubai!
All in all, this project will put Dubai ahead of other countries in terms of tech and innovation.
It may also help Dubai attract investment and talent from all over the world.
But the big question is: can something like this come to India?
Yess!
Indigo is planning to launch electric air taxis (in collaboration with Archer Aviation, a California based electric aircraft development company) by 2026.
200 Archer’s midnight e-aircrafts will be launched in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. So?
The 27-km commute from Delhi’s Connaught Place to Gurgaon, will come down from 60-90 minutes (by road) to a 7-min air taxi ride!
Will the air-taxis solve our traffic problems? Or will it create a whole host of other problems?
What do you predict? Let us know in the comments!
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