UK Flying Taxi Co. Takes Off
Urban Air Taxis Becoming a Reality
Vertical Aerospace of the UK
UK flying taxi company Vertical Aerospace just announced that it has pre-orders for up to 1,000 of its zero emissions VA-X4 flying taxis from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Avolon. Also, Microsoft is providing the company with backing. The pre-orders are worth $4 billion. The electric flying taxi prototype is now in production with the first test flight slated for later this year.
Tech Specs
The e-VTOL takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. It can hit speeds of 202 mph and has a range of more than 100 miles. VA-X4 is nearly silent during flight. It carries 4 passengers and a pilot. American Airlines has pre-ordered 250 vehicles with an option to purchase 100 more. Dublin-based aircraft leasing company Avolon has preorders and options for 500 and Virgin Atlantic has a pre-order for 150 vehicles. Pre-orders are conditional on certain milestones being reached, such of certification by aviation authorities.
Hot Company
Vertical Aerospace was founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick, who owns the UK's second largest energy retailer. On the Vertical Aerospace engineering team are former Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and UK Defence Ministry executives. The company plans to soon go public on the NYSE. Founder Fitzpatrick says electrification will transform 21st century flying and is ushering in the most exciting time in aviation in the past 100 years. He believes his VA-X4 will be the first, carbon free aircraft that the most people will fly on. For a series of executive summaries on the future of flying, go to https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B093J89VF5&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Y4XTY02ZBMY843E54K3J
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