The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is anticipated to be a mere 10-minute flight!
Dubai is set to become the first city in the world with a commercial, city-wide electric air taxi service and vertiport network by 2026. The agreement to launch the innovative transportation service was signed on Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, together with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
World Governments Summit
The signing took place ahead of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, which kicked off on Monday under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’. The agreement was signed by RTA with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Joby Aviation (Joby), the world leader in aerial taxi development, and Skyports, the leading vertiport infrastructure provider for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
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The project is part of RTA’s future mobility initiatives, aimed at providing transportation services for both Dubai residents and visitors. The initiative is to integrate with Dubai’s public transport network and reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
The air taxi service will use cutting-edge technology to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of individuals within urban areas. The service will use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which are designed to accommodate four passengers plus the pilot safely and securely. The aircraft are equipped with six propellers and four battery packs, enabling them to cover a maximum distance of 161km.
Read more: Sheikh Hamdan Tests Dubai’s First Self-Driving Taxi
First Phase
The inaugural phase of the aerial taxi service encompasses four vertiport stations positioned near key locations such as Dubai International Airport, Dubai Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Notably, the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is anticipated to be a mere 10-minute flight, a significant reduction from the 45-minute commute.
The UAE’s air transport sector has taken a big leap forward by announcing the launch of the pioneering air taxi project. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has become the first national aviation authority in the world to issue regulations for air taxis and vertical ports.
The launch of the air taxi service in Dubai by 2026 is a testament to the UAE’s vision and leadership in embracing innovation and shaping the future of mobility. The project will enhance Dubai‘s position as a global hub for smart and sustainable transportation and a model for the world.
