Singapore to get flying electric taxis by 2023

A German manufacturer Volocopter is currently working on electric air taxis. In October 2019, Volocopter completed the historic air taxi demonstration flight in the heart of Singapore over the Marina Bay area. It is now waiting for regulatory approvals to launch commercial services.

Volocopter air taxis are emission-free, electrically powered aircraft that take-off and land vertically. They are designed as an addition to urban mobility and will fly up to two passengers directly and quietly to their destination, according to the company.

According to a Bloomberg report, Volocopter is hopeful of launching commercial services by 2023. Interestingly, the company has already started selling tickets for flying taxi services in Singapore - for a 15-minute trip you have to pay 300 euros (US$364).

The first route in the Lion City is expected to be a touristic route over the southern waters, offering breath-taking views of the Marina Bay skyline. "Follow-on connections may include cross-border flights, which may enhance regional connectivity and offer a significantly improved travel experience to Singapore’s closest economic centers," Volocopter said.

Leading up to the launch of commercial operations, Volocopter will build up a team of 50 pilots, engineers, operation specialists, and business managers in the next 3 years. The company is expected to hire over 200 full-time employees in Singapore to manage a network of Singapore routes by 2026. Volocopter has also initiated research and development projects with local institutions, starting with Fraunhofer Singapore at the Nanyang Technological University.