Flying taxis hub opens in Coventry for demonstrations

The site's operator said a life-sized model of an air taxi being built by Supernal, part of Hyundai, would be on show

A hub for future vehicles like air taxis and delivery drones is opening to the public for demonstrations.

Over at least a month the Air-One mini-airport site in Coventry will host demonstrator flights and outline how to control aircraft.

The operator said it was "the starting gun for a new age of transport".

Urban-Air Port added air taxis were yet to receive government approval, but a life-sized model of one being built would be on show on the ground.

It said the Coventry initiative was "a world-first demonstration of a fully-operational hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles - such as air taxis - and autonomous cargo drones".

The company stated Air-One next to the city centre would demonstrate how "advanced air mobility can cut congestion and air pollution and support a zero-carbon future".

Following the programme in Coventry, Air-One will be redeployed to other locations for demonstrations

A cargo drone was described as being about the size of two double beds.

Cargo loading for unmanned drones and eVTOL charging will also be demonstrated following the opening in the Westminster Road car park on Monday.

• Work starts on hub for police and delivery drones

• You may be able to book a flying taxi within three years

West Midlands Police said its drones team would also be there to showcase equipment and give visitors a chance to find out future possibilities drones have in policing.

Insp Mark Colwell said: "Drones offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to enhance our force operations and ensure we can provide the best crime prevention service to the public."

Founder of operator Urban-Air Port Ricky Sandhu said it had delivered Air-One in 15 months

Air-One is a 1,700 sq m (18,299 sq ft) "prefabricated vertiport designed for both rapid assembly and disassembly".

Founder and executive chairman of Urban-Air Port Ricky Sandhu said it was the first of its kind in the world.

"In a couple of years, the community from here can be flying to places like London within 20 minutes, saving so much time," he said. "Our job is to pave the way."

West Midlands Police said it would showcase equipment

"Air taxis they will be coming very, very soon, in two years or so the leading companies will be launching theirs but cargo drones... these are already flying, doing lots of deliveries in and around the country but also around the world... They need a coordinated piece of infrastructure and that's where we come in."

The Coventry demonstrations may be extended beyond the month and people can register to attend via the company's website.