UK could launch flying taxis in two years under government plans

While flying taxis might seem like something out of science fiction there are plans in the UK for the first ones to launch in as little as two years time.

The possibility that one day where you're going you won't need roads could become a reality startlingly soon.

That's because today (18 March) the Department for Transport announced the government's Future of Flight action plan.

Basically this thing sets out a roadmap for the introduction of drones and flying vehicles to British life - with the current plan being for the first flying taxi to take off in 2026 and for them to become a regular service by 2028.

Wedged in between those dates is the year 2027, which is when the government hopes drones will be whizzing across our skies and making regular deliveries.

It sounds like you'd better enjoy the view of the skies before it gets choc-a-block with everyone's Amazon orders.

John Keeble/Getty Images

Of course this is coming from a government that isn't going to last until 2026 since there'll be a general election before then.

Then again, the roadmap suggests that embracing drones and flying taxis could boost the British economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade so it might be something for the next lot to consider.

Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said in a statement that they were 'making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy'.

As for those flying taxi rides, while the plan is that for the first few years they will have pilots, the hope is that by 2030 there'll be automated taxis being worked on so eventually you can just hop in a flying machine and trust the robot to get you where you're going.

The Vertical Aerospace company in Bristol is already working on these flying taxis, while the Civil Aviation Authority is working on authorising them.

John Keeble/Getty Images

Also part of the package are plans for drones to be able to fly beyond where people can see them so as not to clutter up the skies.

There are also hopes that smaller aerodromes can be used for electric aircraft to take off and land at.

Drones are already being used by the police in the UK, as West Midlands Police last year used them to identify a number of violent offenders they say would have taken them hours to track down on foot.

So there you go people of Britain, in just a couple of years the plan is to have a flying taxi take off and a couple of years after that for them to be a regular service.

Then again, can you really expect a taxi to arrive on time?

Topics: UK News, Technology

Joe Harker

Joe graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in Journalism and worked for Reach before joining the LADbible Group. When not writing he enjoys the nerdier things in life like painting wargaming miniatures and chatting with other nerds on the internet. He's also spent a few years coaching fencing. Contact him via [email protected]

@MrJoeHarker