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Miami could be among the first cities in the world to operate electric flying taxis, a project driven by the British company Vertical Aerospace that aims to transform urban mobility in one of the most congested metropolitan areas in the United States.
According to a report by the agency EFE, the company's CEO, Stuart Simpson, stated during a presentation in Miami Beach that the city represents a significant opportunity to launch commercial operations and become a global pioneer in this type of transportation.
The aircraft, known as eVTOL for its acronym in English, is fully electric and produces zero direct emissions.
It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter, but in flight, it tilts its rotors and operates like a conventional aircraft, allowing it to function in densely populated areas without the need for traditional runways.
The company also highlighted the low acoustic impact of the device, one of the main challenges of urban air transportation.
Vertical Aerospace plans to certify the aircraft in the UK and Europe by 2028 and then validate that certification in the United States.
The project is backed by American Airlines, which has pre-ordered 350 aircraft and would manage the operation in the initial phase.
The initial model will have a capacity for four passengers and a pilot on board, with the possibility of expanding to six seats in the future.
Regarding the price, the company estimates an approximate cost of $2.50 per mile per seat, which would place a route between Miami and Palm Beach at around $130 per passenger.
If the timelines are met, the city in South Florida could become one of the first urban settings to deploy this aerial technology.
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