Passengers to Travel Between London and Heathrow in Just Eight Minutes with Virgin’s New Electric Air Taxis
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed plans to introduce flying taxis in the UK in collaboration with Joby Aviation, providing fast, zero-emission journeys across the country. The air taxis will initially operate from key Virgin Atlantic hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airports, with the journey from London’s Heathrow to Canary Wharf taking just eight minutes, compared to the usual 80-minute car trip.
The electric air taxis, designed by Joby, will carry up to four passengers and a pilot, reaching speeds of up to 200mph. The service will be accessible through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website, and other booking platforms. Additionally, the taxi’s six tilting propellers will allow for vertical take-off and landing, generating much less noise than conventional helicopters.
Joby’s aircraft is optimised for frequent flights, making it ideal for routes of up to 100 miles. The company plans to establish a network of “vertiports” across the UK to facilitate the new mode of transport, which has already undergone thousands of successful test flights, including demonstration runs in cities like New York, Japan, and Korea.
The new service aims to offer prices on par with existing premium ridesharing options, although a confirmed launch date for the flying taxis in the UK is yet to be announced. This venture builds on an existing partnership between Joby and Delta Airlines, which holds a significant stake in Virgin Atlantic.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The UK government has also recognised the potential of flying taxis, with a 2024 plan proposing that these vehicles could begin operations as early as 2026, part of the Department of Transport’s Future of Flight Action Plan.
As Virgin Atlantic prepares for the roll-out of its flying taxis, travellers will need to rely on rail and road transport for the time being, but the future of air travel in the UK appears set for a significant transformation.
