In recent years, when it comes to electric vehicles, the highest technology that comes to mind is cars that can drive completely autonomously. While almost no manufacturer other than Tesla has yet achieved this goal, aircraft capable of vertical landing and take-off are also very popular lately.
Of course, when it comes to an aircraft, things move much slower than land vehicles. In addition to much more comprehensive and long-term tests, appropriate conditions need to be prepared for the provision of these services. California-based company that develops air taxi vehicles Joby Aviationsigned a joint work with SK Telecom (SKT), one of the largest telecommunication companies in South Korea.
Fastest air taxi record from Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation announced that the eVTOL air taxi model, named S4, broke the speed and range record.
SKT and Joby Aviation to launch air taxi service
The T Map Mobility platform, a subscription-based service from SKT, will be built on to better integrate ground and air travel. Various partnerships have been signed with Uber on this platform before.
SKT and Joby need to obtain certification from the South Korean government in order to offer this service. As the process continues, it is not yet known when and where they will launch the air taxi service.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport had previously announced in a roadmap that it would allow limited commercialization of these services by 2025 to support urban air mobility.
According to the plan, it will start with one or two routes in the Seoul metropolitan area, and by the end of the decade 10 air taxi terminals will be built for local buses, subways, and other high-density areas.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby, said:With over 42 million people living in urban areas, South Korea offers Joby a remarkable opportunity to make air travel a part of daily life, helping people save time while reducing their carbon footprint.” said.