The government expects air taxis to become a reality as early as 2028, thanks to a simplified regulatory path

The London Government has announced an investment of more than £ 20 million to promote the use of drones and flying taxis, with the aim of transforming the aviation landscape and improving public services. The initiative, unveiled by Aviation Minister Mike Kane on 1 April, aims to create an advanced aviation ecosystem that uses new technologies to reduce emissions and improve people's lives. The funds will be used to overcome barriers to growth in the sector, with a particular focus on the integration of drones (UAVs and eVTOLs) into emergency services, such as healthcare and police, and the development of environmentally friendly flying taxi services. The government expects air taxis to become a reality as early as 2028, thanks to a streamlined regulatory path.

Change Plan: Innovation and Regulatory Simplification

The Government's plan, called "Plan for Change", includes a series of measures to accelerate the adoption of these innovative technologies. Key initiatives include:

- Simplifying regulations: The Department for Transport (DfT), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIOio) will work together to streamline regulatory processes, making it easier for new technologies to be brought to market.

- Electronic visibility standards: The mandatory use of electronic visibility standards and technologies will be introduced, which will allow aircraft to share their position, ensuring the safety of flight of drones and manned aircraft.

- Simplified regulation for drones: Regulations will be simplified to allow emergency services, such as firefighters and paramedics, to use drones. Noise exemptions for testing will also be introduced for drones, and the operational application process will be simplified.

- Future of Flight Industry Group: An industry group, led by the Minister for Aviation and Skyports CEO Duncan Walker, will be established to guide the Government through the technological transformation of aviation. The group will focus on identifying opportunities offered by new technologies to stimulate economic growth and improve public services.

- Funding for the CAA and the Future Flight Challenge: The CAA will receive £16.5 million over 2025-26 to develop a regulatory programme to enable drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and to progress towards routine use of flying taxis (eVTOL). The Future Flight Challenge will receive up to £5 million to support the industry in turning these new technologies into viable businesses.