Dubai is taking sustainable mobility to new heights as it aspires to become the world’s first city to provide self-driving air taxi services.
This endeavor is at the core of a comprehensive roadmap implemented by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The overarching goal is to achieve zero carbon mass mobility by 2050.
Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled the city’s plans to introduce air taxis in Dubai within three years. He serves as the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the ruler of Dubai.
Revolutionizing air mobility and urban transportation
With these autonomous aerial vehicles, Dubai is set to transform urban transportation by reducing carbon emissions. These air taxis will be capable of vertical take-off and landing and will be powered by electricity. Additionally, it will come together with other cutting-edge infrastructure, including vertical stations.
The establishment of “vertiports” will be an integral component of the city’s air mobility infrastructure network. Initially, a network of vertiports will connect four main areas. These include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah.
The taxis will have a maximum range of 241.4 kilometers and a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour. Furthermore, they can accommodate up to four passengers in addition to the pilot. Once rolled out, they can potentially reduce travel time between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah from 46 to 6 minutes.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, the launch of air taxi services will “provide a new sustainable mobility service” and use a “pioneering and innovative technology that facilitates the transport of people in urban areas in a safe, streamlined, sustainable and integrated manner with the public transport network.”
Read: Dubai is leading regional city on urban mobility readiness index
Part of a broader plan
Dubai’s autonomous air taxis align with the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This comprehensive plan seeks to solidify Dubai’s standing as one of the top three global cities.
With this groundbreaking project, Dubai is determined to boost its leadership in autonomous transportation. Apart from the air taxis, its commitment extends to the operation of diverse self-driving vehicles, including marine transport.
By 2030, Dubai aims to make 25 percent of all city-wide travel into self-driving trips.
Showcasing its strong commitment to achieving this goal, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) have signed an agreement. They will work to create the city’s first integrated autonomous air transport solutions center. This initiative also includes launching the world’s first vertical airport accreditation process.
Besides its local endeavors, Dubai has achieved noteworthy progress on the global front. Notably, it teamed up with InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation Inc. to introduce an entirely electric air taxi service in India. It will be operational by 2026.
The rise of autonomous air transport
The upcoming 18th Dubai Airshow, a landmark industry event, will showcase the theme “ The Future of the Aerospace Industry.” Slated for November 13 to 17 at Dubai World Central (DWC), it will be a launching pad for the autonomous air transport sector. It will provide a platform for regional and global industry leaders to explore sustainable aviation technologies that can revolutionize the travel industry.
There will be a dedicated pavilion that will showcase drones, urban air mobility vehicles and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Live demonstrations of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft will also take center stage.
In 2022, the worldwide market value for autonomous aircraft was around $6.75 billion. It could hit $40.93 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.80 percent from 2023 through the said year.
Moreover, projections indicate that the autonomous air transport solutions sector’s global market capitalization will surge to $16.81 billion by 2025. It could reach an impressive $110.02 billion by 2035.
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