The VX4 electric flying taxi, developed by UK-based company Vertical Aerospace, has successfully completed its first open-air test flight.
The test was carried out on a local airstrip in the Cotswolds region of southwest England. The VX4 prototype, featuring vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities, is seen as a significant step forward for the future of urban air mobility.
Russia Also Comments on Flying Taxis
In a statement made in February, Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt expressed his support for the use of intercity air taxis. The ministry announced that various efforts are underway to enable Russian citizens to use these technologies “comfortably and freely.”
Maksim Kalyagin of the Moscow Aviation Institute emphasised that flying taxis would initially be best suited for routes between airports. According to Kalyagin:
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Flying taxis should be deployed on specific, practical routes,
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Costs can be reduced through integration with multimodal transport systems.
Where Is eVTOL Technology Headed?
eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology is being developed to reduce traffic congestion in cities, lower carbon emissions, and save time. Countries like the US, China, Germany, and South Korea are significantly increasing their investments in this field.
