The first flying taxis will be flying over the Île-de-France this summer

Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Ehang or even Uber are companies that all have one common goal: the use of flying taxis. During CES 2020, Uber announced its desire to launch its first flying taxis in 2023, while its Chinese competitor Ehang validated an initial public test more than 6 months ago. If all of these companies are American or Chinese, then French Tech wants to get good results in this area, relying in particular on a start-up based in Annecy called SeaBubbles.

During the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, Île-de-France is definitely trying to offer exemplary fluidity in traffic. As a result, flying taxis are becoming an increasingly serious road that might be considered by the organization of the event. Starting today, the big names above are trying to offer the best solution and may be selected to be part of this international event.

Which companies are selected?

France is already starting to share roles so this project is a success in every way. With regard to the construction of these flying vehicles, the task was entrusted to Airbus and Safran. For its part, Airbus is developing its own “CityAirbus” flying taxi with a Rolls-Royce engine. According to initial reports, a Chinese manufacturer and a Singaporean hydrogen system operator should also help with the development of these vehicles. It is currently impossible to know more about the names of the Asian companies selected.

With regard to the control and maintenance of these aircraft, this task appears to have been entrusted to Dassault Falcon Services and Air France. Thales was commissioned to ensure a smooth process for the anti-collision systems. We also need to consider the land infrastructure used to welcome travelers and obviously recharge those electric taxis. A Swiss company would have been selected for this.

For a project of this size, 2024 is tomorrow. As a result, the first tests will take place this summer at Cormeilles-en-Vexin airfield. Vertical runways are gradually being set up in Île-de-France to anticipate the post-Olympics and continue to use this technology.