Even though they are still sold on a low scale, flying cars are already a reality. Although, the new prediction is that in 2025 the United States market also has flying taxis on commercial flights. The novelty will be manufactured by Archer Aviation in a model called “Midnight”.
The information was announced by the company's security director, Billy Nolen, this wednesday, 15, at an event held at the Dubai Aeronautics Show, in the United Arab Emirates. The taxi is an electric aircraft with vertical landings and takeoffs with capacity for up to four passengers.
The plane experience already has pre-stipulated prices. Initially, commercial flights will be charged by mileage and will cost between US$ 4 e US$ 5 per passenger. But, The expectation is that the values will be reduced by half within two or three years as the product becomes more popular.
Marketing in India and the United Arab Emirates
The model is expected to be initially sold in three countries: USA, UAE and India. As per the ad, first the launch will be made in the United States and, after, the taxi will arrive in the United Arab Emirates and India. For that, Archer Aviation will await approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration, planned for 2025.
In the United Arab Emirates, the aircraft will have an almost instantaneous certification because “Mubadala”, a sovereign wealth fund of the country, is one of the main investors in the project, according to information from Archer's own commercial director, Nikhil Goel. Nonetheless, commercial flights in Dubai are only planned for the year 2026.
In the same period, flights will begin in three important hubs in India: New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Goel described the Indian market as being very important to the company's success.
Test flights in California
The commercial director also clarified that the aircraft will operate silently and reinforced that the “Midnight” taxi will feature a “sustainable and environmentally friendly” concept and appearance.. “We expect demand to be strong”, Goel pointed out.
The model is already developed and in the testing phase. At that time, Test flights are being made in California, USA, where the manufacturer is also headquartered. “What we considered science fiction has become, today, a reality. It's happening, It’s real”, says security director Billy Nolen.
