Vertical Aerospace said its flying taxi is called Valo, which can accommodate up to 6 passengers. It could receive approval from regulators within the next three years, before it can make the first commercial flights connecting the airport and central London.
According to the company's announcement, people will have the opportunity to admire the true-sized prototype at an open exhibition in Canary Wharf, central London on December 17.
Valo is the type of aircraft that makes electric flights a commercial reality - clean, quiet, fast and designed for daily service, Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson told British media.
Its marking a new era in transportation, an era that connects people in just a few minutes, not an hour, Mr. Stuart Simpson added.
Vertical Aerospace plans to build seven test aircraft in the UK to conduct final tests with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
Valo flying taxis are expected to be put into commercial operation after receiving the necessary certificates, which is the regulatory approval granted to new aircraft designs by regulatory agencies such as EASA and CAA to ensure compliance with safety standards.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Valo is designed to fly over 130km long at a speed of up to 240 km/h, expected to launch with a four-seat passenger compartment, six carry-on baggage storage and six checked baggage, a panoramic window and a cockpit wall to ensure privacy and safety.
However, the plane's design allows an expansion to six seats, with the potential to help reduce ticket prices for passengers, the company added.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the plane could also provide emergency medical services and cargo transportation.
"Valo sets a new standard - bigger, safer and more capable than anything in the industry," said Domhnal Slattery, President of Vertical Aerospace.
According to experts, the key to making Valo economically feasible is that we have a vehicle that can fly many times a day, carry many passengers, requires little maintenance and operate very effectively.
In the long term, the potential of this type of aircraft is that it can cost the same as renting a taxi.
