Air taxis: The next big thing in European aviation

The European aviation industry is preparing for the launch of air taxis, which are electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles

The European aviation industry is gearing up for the launch of air taxis, which are electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles that can transport passengers and cargo within and between cities. Air taxis are expected to revolutionize urban mobility, reduce congestion, and lower emissions. Several companies and organizations are working on developing and testing air taxis, which are expected to enter service in the next few years.

Air taxis are part of the broader category of urban air mobility (UAM), which refers to the use of aerial vehicles for various purposes in urban areas. UAM also includes drones, helicopters, and other aircraft that can operate in low-altitude airspace. UAM is seen as a key component of the future of transportation, as it offers faster, safer, and more convenient travel options for people and goods.

The European Union is supporting the development and regulation of air taxis

The European Union is supporting the development and regulation of air taxis, as it recognizes the potential benefits and challenges of UAM. The EU has launched several initiatives and projects to foster innovation and collaboration in the UAM sector, such as:

• The European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities (EIP-SCC), which is a platform that brings together cities, industry, and citizens to develop and implement smart solutions for urban challenges, including UAM.
• The Urban Air Mobility Initiative (UAMI), which is a project that aims to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of UAM in various European cities, such as Hamburg, Ghent, Ingolstadt, and Toulouse.
• The Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Joint Undertaking, which is a public-private partnership that coordinates and funds research and innovation activities for air traffic management, including UAM.
• The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the EU agency responsible for ensuring the safety and environmental protection of civil aviation, including UAM.

The European aviation industry is leading the way in air taxi innovation

The European aviation industry is leading the way in air taxi innovation, as it has several companies and organizations that are developing and testing air taxis, such as:

• Volocopter, which is a German company that has designed and built an electric two-seater air taxi that can fly autonomously or with a pilot. The company has conducted several test flights and demonstrations in various locations, such as Dubai, Singapore, and Stuttgart.
• Lilium, which is another German company that has developed and flown a five-seater electric jet-powered air taxi that can travel up to 300 km/h and has a range of 300 km. The company plans to launch a commercial service in 2025, and has partnered with several cities and regions, such as Orlando, Munich, and Lake Geneva.
• Airbus, which is a European aerospace giant that has several projects and products related to UAM, such as CityAirbus, which is a four-seater electric air taxi that can fly autonomously or with a pilot; Vahana, which is a single-seater electric self-piloted air taxi; and Skyways, which is a drone delivery service.
• EHang, which is a Chinese company that has developed and flown a two-seater autonomous electric air taxi that can travel up to 130 km/h and has a range of 35 km. The company has conducted several test flights and demonstrations in various countries, such as China, Austria, and Norway.

The European air taxi market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years

The European air taxi market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, as the demand for UAM increases and the technology matures. According to a report by Roland Berger, a consultancy firm, the European air taxi market could reach €3 billion by 2030 and €32 billion by 2050, creating more than 100,000 jobs and saving more than 4 million tons of CO2 emissions. The report also identifies the main drivers and barriers for the growth of the air taxi market, such as:

• Drivers: The increasing urbanization, congestion, and pollution; the rising consumer expectations and preferences for fast and convenient travel; the availability of funding and investment; the advancement of technology and innovation; and the support of regulation and policy.
• Barriers: The lack of infrastructure and airspace integration; the uncertainty and complexity of regulation and certification; the high costs and risks of operation and maintenance; the safety and security concerns; and the social and environmental impacts.