Air taxi flies out of TPA (not pictured) – Pictured: Tampa International Airport – Courtesy: Peter Titmuss – Shutterstock
The first-ever air taxi test flight in Florida took place on Thursday at Tampa International Airport, possibly opening the door for the state’s future public transportation system.
The demonstration of the volocopter at TPA was also the first test flight for urban air mobility at a major U.S. airport. A new kind of aircraft called “urban air mobility” is designed for short- to medium-range flights that move passengers or cargo across cities.
“We’re all about innovation in Tampa and especially at Tampa International Airport. And remember, over 100 years ago, we had the first commercial flight in the world,” said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. “So what better way to demonstrate innovation than this new aircraft, which is spectacular.”
To operate in the United States, Volocopter still needs FAA permission. The business must also decide where to construct ports so that planes may land and take off.
According to Lopano, the Tampa Bay region will be prepared as soon as the business obtains federal approval, which is not anticipated to happen until sometime in 2025.
“We need mobility around here, right? Well, this aircraft will go above all traffic and take you where you need to go within the city,” said Lopano.
CEO of Volocopter Dirk Hoke stated that initially, traveling in one of his aircraft would be somewhat expensive. Nonetheless, he wants to lower the price by 2026 or 2027.
At first, just one person at a time can be transported by Volocopter air taxis. Hoke intends to construct bigger aircraft as the batteries gain strength.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
