FLYING TAXIS
BENIDORM TAKES FLIGHT: EUROPE’S FIRST URBAN EHANG AIR TAXI AND DRONE TEST A SUCCESS
Benidorm has cemented its place in aviation history by becoming the first European city to conduct simultaneous test flights of an air taxi and a fleet of drones within its urban core. The groundbreaking event, held on 27 February, marks a significant stride towards the integration of urban air mobility. The test, orchestrated by
the
University of València (UPV) under the European U-ELCOME project, saw the EH216-S air taxi, developed by EHang, take to the skies above Benidorm’s beaches alongside 12 drones. The drones performed
simulated tasks, including cargo transport, delivery, surveillance and rescue operations, all managed through advanced digital platforms in the European U-space framework. Benidorm’s unique skyline, charac- terised by its high concentration of skyscrapers, made it an ideal location for the test. “By hosting the first test flight of an air taxi in Europe, Benidorm is once again a pioneer, marking a new milestone in drone navig- ation,” said Mayor Antonio Pérez, highlighting the city’s commit- ment to technological innovation.
The success of the demonstration was attributed to the collaborative efforts of numerous public and private organisations. Despite the successful test, challenges remain before air taxis become a common sight. These include developing regulatory frameworks, building vertiports, adapting urban planning and increasing public acceptance of drone technology. The U-ELCOME project, concluding later this year, aims to address these issues and prepare for the safe integration of drones using U-space services.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC AND JOBY AVIATION FORGE UK’S FIRST AIR TAXI ALLIANCE
Virgin Atlantic has announced a landmark partnership with California-based Joby Aviation to launch the UK’s inaugural electric air taxi service, aiming to revolutionise short-haul travel. The collaboration, unveiled on 15 March, will focus on establishing zero-emission air taxi routes connecting airports and major cities across the nation. Building on Joby’s existing agree- ment with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, the venture targets initial operations from Virgin’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports. “We are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero- emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,” stated Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic. Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and
20
landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200mph over distances of 100 miles, will be the cornerstone of this service. Its six tilting propellers enable quiet vertical takeoffs and landings, ideal for urban environments. “Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK
towns and cities,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. Virgin Atlantic will leverage its brand recognition and customer experience to market the service, facilitate regulatory approvals, and support the development of necessary landing infrastructure. Customers will be able to book flights through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website, and other channels. Potential routes include a 15- minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, significantly reducing travel times compared to traditional ground transport. Joby intends to
establish a
network of landing sites through- out the UK, with pricing “com- parable with existing premium ground ridesharing options.”
APRIL 2025 PHTM
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