UK Flying Taxi Gets Big Orders
Urban Air Taxis Becoming a Reality Source: Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace of the UK UK flying taxi company Vertical Aerospace just announced that it has pre-orders for up to 1,000 of its zero emissions VA-X4 flying taxis from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Avolon. Also, Microsoft is providing the company with backing. The pre-orders are worth $4 billion. The electric flying taxi prototype is now in production with the first test flight slated for later this year. Tech Specs The e-VTOL takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. It can hit speeds of 202 mph and has a range of more than 100 miles. VA-X4 is nearly silent during flight. It carries 4 passengers and a pilot. American Airlines has pre-ordered 250 vehicles with an option to purchase 100 more. Dublin-based aircraft leasing company Avolon has preorders and options for 500 and Virgin Atlantic has a pre-order for 150 vehicles. Pre-orders are conditional o