Air taxi manufacturers Joby Aviation and Volocopter showcased their electric aircraft capabilities in New York City on 12 November. The event marked the beginning of a new era in urban air mobility and offered a preview of regular air taxi flights in the city. Joby Aviation and Volocopter are considered frontrunners in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry.

New York Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials attended the event, where the announcement was made to establish the world's first heliport dedicated to electric-powered aircraft at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. This move aims to position New York City as a leader in sustainable transportation and create a hub for air taxi operations.

Volocopter expects to receive type certification for its two-seat VoloCity air taxi in Europe early next year, potentially making it one of the world's first to begin regular air taxi operations. Joby Aviation plans to follow suit with FAA certification in 2025. Joby is collaborating with partner Delta Air Lines to develop infrastructure at LaGuardia and JFK airports, ensuring seamless transportation for Delta passengers connecting to Joby air taxis. The aim is for passengers to be able to go from their Delta flight to a Joby flight and arrive at the downtown helipad in just seven minutes.

The event showcased the progress made by Joby Aviation and Volocopter in the field of urban air mobility, with plans to launch passenger operations as soon as 2025. The support from the New York City government, as well as the presence of industry players like Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies, highlights the increasing interest and investment in sustainable transportation solutions. However, ongoing discussions around charging standards for eVTOLs indicate the complexity of this emerging industry. Electric aircraft could soon become a common sight in the sky as the next phase of air travel unfolds, providing environmentally friendly transportation options for urban areas.