28-05-2025
Flying taxi reaches speeds of 150mph in first cross-country run
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The UK's first electric flying taxi has completed a successful test run, reaching up to 150mph above the Cotswolds skies.
Swapping the car for a personal plane when you feel like it could soon be a reality, and not just a sci-fi utopia after the first cross-country test run of a flying taxi.
Vertical Aerospace, a Bristol-based firm, made aviation history after its VX4 prototype flew a pilot and four passengers over the Cotswolds.
It was the first time the aircraft flew outside test conditions, which are strictly monitored and limited.
The prototype reached 150mph during the countryside run from Cotswolds airport, but VX4 is expected to reach up to 200mph when fully operational.
Soon, a journey between Brighton and Heathrow could take just 20 minutes instead of more than an hour by car.
Pilot of the maiden flight was Simon Davies, who said the first flight over the Cotswolds was 'truly special.'
He said: 'Our performance predictions were spot on, and the aircraft handled beautifully.
'It's safe, responsive, and a joy to fly. The low noise from the propellers made the cockpit environment pleasant, a testament to the incredible work of our team.
'The VX4's smooth performance during this wingborne flight highlights its potential to deliver a quiet, efficient, and comfortable flying experience.'
The prototype looks like a traditional small aircraft, but instead of relying solely on its rotor, it generates lift through the wings, which makes it quieter and more energy efficient, according to Aviation Source News.
Other companies are also at the cusp of launching flying taxis too after a government plan to have them running by 2028.
Virgin Atlantic announced plans for a flying taxi service with Job Aviation, which could take passengers from Manchester Airport to Leeds in 15 minutes instead of an hour-long drive.
You could reach Heathrow Airport from Canary Wharf in just eight minutes – compared with 80 minutes on the road.
Ticket prices have not been revealed yet as flying taxis as it will take at least three years before customer operations launch.
The government announced £20 million in funding last month to make the use of commercial drones and flying taxis a reality. More Trending
The Deparment for Transport (DfT) is working with the industry watchdog Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to cut red tape to get the taxis off the ground soon.
Transport Minister Mike Kane said: 'This Government wants to see the UK maximise the benefits of future flight technologies including flying taxis, both for the economy and for communities.
'We recently announced over £20 million of government funding to the CAA and the Future Flight Challenge to deliver the future flight programme this year.
'This joint programme between industry, Government and the CAA will enhance drone capability by 2027 and flying taxis by 2028 in the UK skies.'
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