Flying taxis could be a reality within two years

THE first piloted flying taxi could take to the UK skies in two years under government plans which could also see regular drone deliveries by 2027.

The Department for Transport’s Future of Flight Action Plan also proposes flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030.

It also foresees regular use of crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries by the end of the decade.

Drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45 billion by 2030, the department claimed.

Aviation and technology minister Anthony Browne said: “Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality.

“From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation, improving people’s lives and boosting the economy.”

The action plan was announced as Mr Browne was set to visit Vertical Aerospace in Bristol – one of the UK companies making flying taxis which are currently undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) authorisation process.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, said: “With government and business working together, we can unleash the huge economic, environmental and social benefits of zero emissions flight globally.”

Sophie O’Sullivan, CAA head of future safety and innovation, said: “Aviation stands on the cusp of its next, potentially biggest, revolution since the invention of the jet engine.”