The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved limited use of flying taxis and launched a pilot program in the United States. This marks a shift from test demonstrations to real flights with passengers, but under strictly controlled conditions.
The vehicles in question are eVTOLs — electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. They are designed for short urban routes and do not require a runway. As part of the program, safety, routes, control systems and infrastructure readiness will be tested.
At present, only the United States and China have allowed practical passenger use of such aircraft. Other regions, including the EU and the United Kingdom, have established regulatory frameworks and are conducting tests, but do not yet permit full passenger services.
It seems that in a few years, "got there in five minutes" may no longer sound like a metaphor, but like an ordinary route.
