Flying taxis are no longer a thing of science fiction, as the Biden administration is now acting on advancing low-altitude urban air mobility.
As reported by Reuters, the administration recently formed an interagency team comprising the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop a national strategy for advanced air mobility efforts.
According to a recently released public document, the team's primary focus is electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), which have generated significant interest worldwide.
It is worth noting that several eVTOL companies have gone public, signaling investors' confidence in the market's potential. According to industry experts, this dynamic sector is set to take off, surging from $5.41 billion in 2021 to an impressive $23.21 billion by 2028.
Government Bracing for Future Air Taxis
The FAA recently issued an "updated blueprint," outlining airspace and other changes to accommodate future air taxis.
In addition, the FAA proposed updating its air carrier definition last year by adding "powered-lift" operations to its regulations, covering commercial operations like airlines, charters, and air tours.
"They'll use existing routes and infrastructure such as helipads and early vertiports. Pilots will communicate with air traffic controllers where required," the document mentions.
According to reports, the FAA expects to publish the proposed powered-lift operations rule for certifying pilots and operating requirements for eVTOLs this summer.
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The FAA's blueprint also tells us that air taxi operations are set to begin at a low rate, similar to helicopters, using existing routes and infrastructure such as helipads and vertiports.
However, the agency's acting administrator, Billy Nolen, has stated that the agency does not expect the first eVTOL to commence commercial operations until late 2024 or early 2025, AviationToday reports.
What are eVTOLs?
Airlines and other companies are exploring the potential of developing transport services using battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically.
These aircraft could ferry travelers to airports or for short city trips, allowing them to avoid traffic. Among the eVTOL companies that the FAA has issued airworthiness criteria for certification are Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation.
Who is leading the Air Taxi race?
Reuters tells us that Delta Air Lines has made a bold move in the aviation industry by investing $60 million in Joby Aviation, a California-based company specializing in developing eVTOL aircraft.
The partnership aims to provide passengers with a seamless air taxi transport service to and from New York and Los Angeles airports, set to launch in the coming years.
In February, we reported about Joby Aviation starting the final assembly of its "company-conforming" eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its quest to offer a commercial air taxi service by 2025.
With this announcement, Joby claims to have become the first eVTOL company to achieve this milestone.
To achieve production certification and make several eVTOLs using FAA-approved designs, Joby is currently working on the final three steps of the certification process.
This certification process requires an intense quality management system that ensures every part of the aircraft, design drawings used for manufacturing components, and environmental conditions during fabrication are thoroughly tracked and documented to meet the FAA's standards.
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Related Article: Joby Advances Toward 2025 Commercial Air Taxi Service With eVTOL Aircraft Final Assembly Underway
