Electric air-taxi project is launched

The project also hopes to provide a "robust business case" for the commercialisation of regional electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

A six-month project to test and demonstrate the commercial and operational viability of an electric air-taxi between Oxford and Cambridge has been launched.

The project also aims to provide a "robust business case" for the commercialisation of regional electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

In doing so, it hopes to directly support the government's ambition to foster rapid growth and improved connectivity in key regions such as the Oxfordshire-Cambridge corridor.

The announcement comes after the publication, by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), of its eVTOL Development Model - a regulatory framework to facilitate commercial eVTOL flights in the UK by 2029.

Skyports Infrastructure is the leading enabler of advanced air mobility

The OxCam Avanced Air Mobility (AAM) Corridor demonstrator project brings together the expertise of Skyports, Bristow Helicopters, NATS, Vertical Aerospace and Oxfordshire County Council.

A significant landmark in the project's progress will be an "A to A" piloted eVTOL demonstration flight of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 prototype expected to take place from Skyports' Bicester Vertiport next year.

It would be the first piloted passenger flight of its kind in the UK and its data will directly feed into and support the OxCam desktop exercises, simulations and demonstrations.

Duncan Walker, Skyports chief executive, called it "truly innovative in its pragmatic, end-end approach".

Laura Peacock, head of innovation at Oxfordshire County Council said it was "a chance to demonstrate how innovation can be harnessed not just for economic growth, but for real societal and positive environmental impact".