Dubai: The RTA air taxi service that will be operational by the end of next year promises safe and fast mobility between the major cities in the Emirate. It would cost at least 350 dirhams per person to travel in the aerial taxis. A US-based aviation company will be running the project. The air taxis have been designed to allow the passengers to enjoy scintillating aerial views of Dubai. Moreover, the service promises a smooth and easy ride without getting stuck in the heavy city traffic. The authorities say that the air taxi would significantly reduce the travelling time between two places in Dubai by 70%. It would take at least 45 minutes to up to an hour to travel from the Dubai International Airport to the Palm Jumeirah by road. However, it would only take 10 – 12 minutes to cover this distance in an air taxi. Each air taxi can accommodate up to four passengers and a pilot. Besides, there is ample space for baggage too.
These air taxis have been designed to provide smooth and uninterrupted rides for the people of Dubai. As it flies at a height of 500 – 1000 metres, it is safe too. However, the height at which it flies would depend upon the distance of the journey. The air taxi may fly at an altitude of 1000 metres in long-distance journeys while it would be flying at just 100 – 500 metres if the trip is short. A pilot who possesses a commercial flying licence would be flying the air taxis after completing a 6 – 8 week long unique training program. The training would ensure that the pilots are skilled in navigating the air taxis safely and efficiently. Passengers can book air taxi rides using the mobile application that was developed by Joby Aviation. Moreover, they could also reserve a ride in Uber while using the app. The air taxi would take off even if there was only one passenger.
The authorities said that the air taxis could be charged from zero to 100% in just under ten minutes. The ground staff would connect the air taxi to the charging points as soon as the air taxi lands in the vertiports. Meanwhile, the plugs would be removed quickly before the air taxi gets ready for take-off with a new set of passengers. Interestingly, air taxis have been designed as a fusion of helicopters and aeroplanes. These would have the take-off manoeuvres of a helicopter while promising the comfortable flying experience of an aeroplane.
