In two years, the first piloted flying taxi could take to UK skies under Government plans while drone deliveries could also become regular by 2027.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has released its Future of Flight Action Plan which also proposes flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030.
The plan also predicts regular use of crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries by the end of the decade.
The “roadmap”, or more precisely flight plan, would mean the adoption of technology “once confined to the realm of sci-fi”, according to the DoT, with drone technology boosting the country’s economy by £45 billion by 2030.
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Aviation and technology minister Anthony Browne said: “Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality.
“From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation, improving people’s lives and boosting the economy.”
The proposals would allow drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) so the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft.
They also aim to reinvigorate smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for electric aircraft that take off vertically (known as electric vertical take-off and landing or eVTOL aircraft).
The plans develop standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety and look at ways of involving communities and local authorities so they can benefit from the potential economic and social benefits.
The action plan was announced as Mr Browne was set to visit Vertical Aerospace in Bristol which is one of the UK companies making flying taxis which are currently undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) authorisation process.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, said: “With Government and business working together, we can unleash the huge economic, environmental and social benefits of zero emissions flight globally.”
Sophie O’Sullivan, CAA head of future safety and innovation, said: “Aviation stands on the cusp of its next, potentially biggest, revolution since the invention of the jet engine.
“Drones, eVTOL, and other different vehicles have the potential to change transportation options forever.
“Our role in this bright future of aviation will be enabling technological advances and providing regulatory support, while ensuring that all forms of new aviation technology enjoy the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.”
@officialwmp #WeAre50 | We popped in to see PC Wharmby to learn more about the drones team and how it was formed 👮♂️ This year, West Midlands Police has been celebrating 50 years since its formation in 1974. A lot has changed over the past 50 years, including getting a dedicated drone unit to help officers tackle different crimes. Throughout February, we've focused on the history of technology and how it impacts policing today. The drones team is a fantastic specialist resource that allows us to catch criminals quicker and protect our officers from danger that can not be seen from the ground 🦅 We'll be releasing more drones content soon, so be sure to follow us👍 Follow @West Midlands Police Museum for more updates about our #WeAre50 campaign #drones #technology #police ♬ Highlights - Hotel Pools
Drone technology is already used by the likes of West Midlands Police to tackle violent crime and anti-social behaviour and the plans aim to build on the current uses.
In July 2023, a drone team successfully identified two offenders and another suspect at a speed and distance that would have taken ground officers hours to track down.
In the NHS, drone service provider Skyfarer has partnered with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and Medical Logistics UK to test drones to deliver surgical implants and pathology samples between sites, cutting delivery times by up to 70%.
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