Airport, city and state officials recently gathered at Tampa International Airport to witness an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft take flight. This was the first-ever test flight at a large U.S. airport. This was also the first eVTOL to test in the state of Florida. The successful test flight raises the question — could air taxis become the newest form of rapid transit in the Tampa area?
Volocopter, a Germany-based eVTOL manufacturer, and Tampa International Airport teamed up to bring the test flight to Tampa. Onlookers witnessed the crewed, all-electric vehicle as it lifted into the Tampa skies from TPA’s airfield. These vehicles are more commonly known as an “air taxi.” The 8-minute flight was a major step in understanding how the technology might be used in the future.
Building Tampa’s air infrastructure
TPA has been a leader in advancing the technology, also known as advanced air mobility (AAM). TPA even formed a special committee to study eVTOL infrastructure in the Tampa Bay area and how it might integrate with the current airspace system. The committee has been working with state, federal and industry leaders to better understand how eVTOLs might be used in the next five to 10 years.
Urban air mobility (UAM) is a new category of aircraft that focuses on short- to medium-range flights. This means transporting people and goods to or within an urban environment. A certified eVTOL is designed to provide efficient transportation to reduce congestion. They also lower the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
Volocopter recently announced its partnership with the Bristow Group to begin operations of eVTOLs in the near future, with Florida being one of the targeted areas of operation.
“Flying at a large, active airport always presents a multitude of challenges. But we proved that our aircraft is safe, quiet, and efficiently useful in a city like Tampa,” Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke said. “Volocopter sees this as the starting point of the entry into service in the US.”
More about eVTOL technology
Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technology is a transformative leap in the aviation industry. These innovative aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically, similar to helicopters. Except they are powered by electric propulsion systems. This makes them more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. They have the potential to revolutionize urban transportation by offering a faster and more sustainable mode of travel, avoiding ground traffic congestion.
eVTOLs can operate in densely populated areas. This is promising for enabling aerial taxis and urban air mobility services. As technology continues to advance and infrastructure for eVTOLs develops, they may play a crucial role in the future of urban transportation. The may also play a part in reducing emissions, enhancing mobility, and providing new and exciting possibilities for urban travel.
Sounds like Tampa could be just the city to embrace this new mode of transportation.