Dubai says flying taxis to take off by 2026 from 4 stations across city

Dubai says flying taxis to take off by 2026 from 4 stations across city

DUBAI: Dubai again is planning for the takeoff of flying taxis in this futuristic city-state, offering its firmest details yet Monday for a pledged launch by 2026. Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced the relaunched flying taxi program on Twitter Sunday, saying air taxis will begin flying in Dubai within three years. Sheikh Mohammed revealed that he had approved designs for air taxi stations at the World Government Summit in Dubai this week. “From the World Government Summit, we approved today the design of the new air taxi stations in Dubai, which will start operating within three years,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. The announcment highlighted the six-rotor electric flying taxi made by Joby Aviation of Santa Cruz, California, in the promotional video. The inclusion of Joby Aviation aircraft is featured at a stand at the World Government Summit on Monday. “We’re excited about the opportunity and actively exploring the possibility,” said Oliver Walker-Jones, a spokesman for Joby Aviation. Ahmed Bahrozyan, an official in the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority, told Dubai Eye radio station on Monday that “it’s early days” for the plan. “We haven’t yet signed with any partners yet,” he said. The announcment also included the