World exhibitions are renowned for showcasing technological innovations, and with Serbia set to host Specialized EXPO 2027, Belgrade will introduce a groundbreaking new mode of transportation: the flying taxi. Although many citizens are skeptical about this project and find it difficult to imagine what an air taxi service might entail, the government is determined to position Serbia as a forward-thinking nation. Their goal is to make Serbia one of the first countries to implement this futuristic transportation system.
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What’s a Flying Taxi?
When people think of a flying taxi, the first image in their head is a typical taxi car flying through the air. However, that is not the case. A flying taxi is a small electric-powered aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, similar to a helicopter. More specifically, these vehicles are called eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing).
Engineers believe that this form of transport could simplify and improve urban mobility. Currently, around 150 to 200 companies worldwide are developing prototypes of these vehicles.
Regulatory Obstacles for eVTOL Aircraft
Most Western European countries, as well as the United States, have companies developing eVTOL aircraft. Before these services can become mainstream, the prototypes must gain regulatory safety approval.
Manufacturers need to demonstrate to aviation regulators that these aircraft are safe for passenger use. Although a lot of companies worldwide are developing flying taxis, only a few countries, including Serbia, are prepared to work on the legal framework and practical implementation of these vehicles.
Aerial Vehicles in China, UK, USA, UAE
China is leading the way when it comes to aerial vehicles. Last year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted approval to EHang for its passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, based in Guangdong province, secured an £80 million contract with the city of Hefei to deploy 100 eVTOL vehicles for both tourist flights and emergency situations.
The London administration and the city’s transportation department have announced a two-year plan to integrate eVTOL vehicles into urban transport. The first flights are expected in 2026, with plans indicating that autonomous flying taxis could be available by 2030.
In the United States of America, New York anticipates launching its first electric flying taxi service in 2025. The vehicles will be supplied by American company Joby Aviation, which tested its first aircraft in November 2023. The same company is also collaborating with the Dubai administration to establish an eVTOL taxi service in the metropolis.
Flying Taxi at EXPO 2027
As mentioned earlier, people in Serbia are quite skeptical about this futuristic vehicle and find it hard to believe they will soon have the chance to hover above Belgrade in an innovative aircraft nicknamed the flying taxi. However, politicians are confident that by the time the Specialized EXPO 2027 is hosted in the Serbian capital, this groundbreaking form of urban transport will be available.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed the skeptics and reassured them that this futuristic form of transport will be available in Belgrade by 2027: “Many people are laughing, but for EXPO, we will have a flying taxi, to show what it looks like. We are working with two companies, one is French, and the other one is, I believe, from Austria.”
Following a recent meeting with Airbus’s Director of Sales for Eastern Europe, Aleksandar Bojanić, Minister of Finance Siniša Mali outlined Serbia’s plans for this innovative form of transportation:
“We have approached this task seriously, which is why we have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the development project of so-called Air Mobility, which involves the use of small, highly automated aircraft at lower altitudes in urban and metropolitan areas, after which we will conduct a pre-feasibility study.
We are ready to embrace new technologies, and I think it’s important to keep pace with the times in this regard, especially considering that we will be hosting one of the world’s largest exhibitions, where it is important to showcase modern innovations.”
From Sci-Fi to Reality: Serbia Boldly Steps into the Future
The idea of city vehicles taking to the skies, reminiscent of scenes from the movie “The Fifth Element” set in 2263, was once pure science fiction. Today, however, this concept is becoming a reality, with an increasing number of countries boldly outlining plans to revolutionize transportation as we know it. It is inspiring to witness Serbia’s proactive stance as an early adopter of these innovative technologies, signaling a promising shift towards a more advanced and sustainable future in urban mobility. (source: Blic)
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