Dubai will have high-speed flying taxis in the city by 2026, according to an air mobility expert.
When introduced, flying taxis are projected to slash travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah from 46 minutes to a mere 6 minutes.
The comments came during a session titled “The Future of Air Mobility” as part of the activities of the third edition of the Dubai Congress for Self-Driving Transport.
Flying taxis in Dubai
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said air mobility is among the pivotal means for transporting people, goods, and various shipments and is known for its safe and smooth methodologies.
Walker lauded Dubai as an exceptional global model in air travel.
He credited the high standing of Dubai to the modern infrastructure, top-tier airports, and the unwavering support from the Dubai Government.
He said: “An exemplary project on the horizon is the aerial taxi set for the start of operations in 2026. This groundbreaking venture will travel at a maximum distance of 241 km, cruising at speeds of up to 300 km per hour”.
Walker stated the key factors underpinning the success of aerial taxis in Dubai, including building ultra-modern vertiports at premier locations across the emirate.
Vertiports will be constructed at locations, including:
- DXB Airport
- Palm Jumeirah
- Marina
- Downtown
Other factors included government support and coordination, robust regulatory measures, and a strong demand for the service.
Air mobility operates through employing advanced technologies based on systematic plans approved after many scientific experiments undertaken by private sector companies.
These experiments highlighted several factors and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the provision of secure air mobility for everyone.
Walker said the major challenges encountered in air mobility are highlighted by weather conditions, such as winds and sandstorms.
Using data and insights gained from past experiences, strategies have been formulated to enhance and evolve air mobility means to accomplish various objectives.
These include delivering superior operational efficiency and offering benefits to passengers, such as the record transit time to the intended destinations, along with safety measures.
Rounding the session, Walker stressed that the aerial taxi project, along with other air endeavours in Dubai, were poised to catapult the emirate to the forefront of global cities advancing air mobility.
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