London's Heathrow Airport is set to become a hub for electric vehicle takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft as it partners with Vertical Aerospace to bring air taxi infrastructure to Europe's largest airport.
Vertical Aerospace VA-X4 air taxi. Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace's VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft could take off from Heathrow Airport by the mid-decade. Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Expected to be up and running by the mid-2020s, the new partnership marks a milestone in the UK's efforts to decarbonise its aviation and public transport while exploring how the tech can be fitted into existing systems at the airport.
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Able to travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (321 km/hr), the new air taxis are reportedly able to transport up to four people from Heathrow to the City of London within 12 minutes for a similar price to a standard ground taxi all while operating at net-zero emissions.
Regulatory changes will be required to see the project through until its end, while both parties have expressed an interest in minimising the disruption caused to nearby communities that could arise due to significant infrastructure changes.
Interest in eVTOL infrastructure is growing, but still requires "significant innovations" to become viable, according to one report.
Vertical claims a number of Europe's leading airlines have expressed interest in developing eVTOL technology, such as Virgin Atlantic, which has already placed an order for 150 of the company's VA-X4 to launch eVTOL mobility within the UK.
Vertical's CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick claims the project will play its part in helping the UK become carbon-neutral by 2050.
As such the company will continue to work with key industry players such as Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Bristow and Microsoft.
"This announcement marks the start of an exciting relationship that will help make eVTOLs flying from Heathrow by the mid-2020s a reality", he added.
Read more: Coventry to host world's first eVTOL airport
Heathrow airport officials claim the advent of air taxis in the UK public transport system could stand to reduce congestion on Britain's roads while also reducing overall air pollution.
The airport chief strategy officer, Chris Annetts, stated the system could "provide passengers with a best-in-class experience on the cutting edge of modern technology".
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