This flying taxi could soon be in the skies of Los Angeles and other major US cities

Joby Aviation has developed a flying taxi that can carry up to four passengers. — AFP Relaxnews

Californian startup Joby Aviation has been working on an electric aircraft for around 10 years. Now, the firm's ambition is to provide a first fleet of urban flying taxis by 2024, debuting in the US. These fully electric air taxis will transport passengers without emitting any CO2.

For the last 10 years or so, Joby Aviation has been working on developing an electric aircraft, one day destined to serve in the field of on-demand mobility services in urban environments. The aircraft under development can take off and land vertically. It can seat a pilot plus four passengers for urban journeys of up to 240 km. In ideal conditions, it promises a maximum speed of 320 km/h. Entirely electric, this air taxi ensures flights with no carbon emissions.

As well as cutting pollution, this flying taxi solution can also save commuters a significant amount of time. In Los Angeles, for example, Joby Aviation estimates that a flight between LAX airport and Newport Beach would take just 15 minutes, compared to one hour 16 minutes for the same journey by road.

Since the beginning of their research, Joby Aviation's teams have carried out over 1,000 test flights. The firm hopes to propose a mobility service to get people around quickly in congested cities, as well as in cities that are poorly served by road networks. A first commercial offer is expected for 2024. – AFP Relaxnews