Taxis flying over traffic below and taking travellers from one architectural marvel to another without ever touching the ground. It sounds like a fictional scene out of Hollywood’s Back to the Future but it’s on the cusp of becoming a reality.

Dubai’s private aviation operator Air Chateau has become the latest company in the UAE to place an order for electric air taxis. The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 and follows Ras Al Khaimah’s recent agreement to launch a network of electric air taxis by 2027! That’s right, flying taxis are only three years away.

Air Chateau’s initial order is for 10 vehicles from European electric mobility company Crisalion Mobility which are scheduled to operate in the UAE by 2030.

When they take off, Air Chateau’s airborne taxis called ‘Integrity eVTOLs’, will accommodate six people, fly at speeds of 180km per hour and cover 130km in a single charge.

Samir Mohamed, Air Chateau’s Chairman, said the new form of transportation “will enhance connectivity and contribute to alleviating the burden on legacy ground infrastructure”.

Mr Mohamed also expects the flying taxis to complement existing transportation networks, reduce congestion and building a sustainable future with zero emissions from every vehicle.

“This collaboration with Crisalion marks a milestone in our journey towards creating smarter, greener cities,” he added.

Meanwhile, over in Abu Dhabi, the first passenger-carrying drone trials were completed by Abu Dhabi Mobility and Multi Level Group (MLG) during Abu Dhabi Mobility Week. Two test flights were carried out in a five-seater drone capable of covering over 25km with a payload of up to 350kg.