Dubai residents will be able to fly across the city via air taxis in a few years \u2014 and the cost? Dh350 per passenger, Khaleej Times has learnt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
US-based aviation firm Joby gave KT a preview of the flying taxi that is expected to take off in Dubai by the end of 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Riders are sure to enjoy breathtaking city views from the sky \u2014 but beyond the scenery, a flying cab becomes a practical choice for those who wish to zoom over traffic jams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These aircraft can cut travel time between two locations in Dubai by nearly 70 percent, said Bonny Simi, Joby’s president of operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt takes about 45 minutes to one hour to travel from Dubai [International] Airport to Palm Jumeirah by road. By an air taxi, it will just take about 10 to 12 minutes,\u201d Simi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This futuristic ride can seat four passengers, plus the pilot. There’s ample storage for baggage, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese air taxis will offer Dubai residents a comfortable, hassle-free, and convenient travel experience,\u201d said Simi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the aircraft flying at an altitude of 500 to 1,000 metres, passengers are in for a serene, scenic flight with noise levels at only 45 decibels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe altitude will depend on the travel distance. For a longer distance, the aircraft will fly for nearly 1,000 meters above the ground, and for a shorter distance, it will hover between 500 meters to 100 meters,\u201d said Simi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pilot holding a commercial licence will be flying the aircraft after a six- to 8-week training programme tailored to the aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“[This training] ensures pilots are adept at navigating the skies safely and efficiently,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passengers will be able to book their air taxi trips through an app that will be developed by Joby. They will also be able to reserve a ride on Uber. Even if only one passenger is on board, the air taxi will be ready to depart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is powered by six propulsion units, which seamlessly transition from vertical to horizontal orientation. It can swiftly reach speeds of up to 320kmph, covering distances of approximately 160km on a single charge.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aircraft is equipped with six propellers and each of them has two motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach air taxi is equipped with 12 motors and four batteries, providing unparalleled reliability during flight,\u201d said Simi, adding that safety is paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the initial stages, four vertiports are slated for construction in Dubai’s key hubs, like the Dubai Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the future, we may have vertiports on top of towers. Many developers would want it within their community in the future as it can be a primary travel model for many,\u201d said Simi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n