Flights of air taxis in the European Union (EU) could begin as early as 2024, according to the head of Europe’s aviation safety administration.
UAM race for the Paris Olympics
Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), says there’s still a lot of work to be done on both the manufacturing and regulating sides, but thinks “that commercial use of (air) taxis can start to take place in 2024 or 2025.” Officials from a variety of interests in France hope that earlier date can be reached as a means of showcasing urban air mobility (UAM) during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Hammering out regulations governing air taxi operation will be one of the major chores in making passenger use of the craft a reality. In its initial years, the EU will require all UAM flights – whether fixed- or rotary-winged – to be operated by licensed commercial pilots. EASA officials believe that requirement will be loosened as technology…
