A new flying taxi service for quick travel in urban areas is coming to the Bay area.
German aircraft manufacturer Volocopter is leading the project. The “eVTOL” looked like a drone, with a series of rotors supporting the flight. Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke said the aircraft are designed to be safe, quiet and emission-free.
“I’m really thrilled to be here. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago if we were to fly today I would have said probably not,” Hoke said. “But, a few weeks ago we were here in Tampa and talking… in the end, we said ‘Why are we not flying also in Florida?’”
The aircraft is completely battery-powered and cruises at speeds around 55 miles per hour. It has room for two passengers and luggage. The company hopes to use existing infrastructure to take off and land.
Currently, the flying taxi can only be operated by certified aircraft pilots. Volocopter also said it designed the aircraft to safely land even if two engines fail. It will also be fully FAA-certified once it logs more flight hours.
Tampa International Airport is one of the first major commercial airports to host an urban mobility test flight. Volocopter has plans to operate in locations across the world, including France and Singapore.
“From the beginning, Tampa International has been all about innovation, it’s in our DNA,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said.
He continued, explaining the historical achievements made by Tampa’s largest airport.
“Today, we continue this legacy of innovation. We’re among the first airports in the nation to start planning for urban air mobility.”
