Within a few years the Rome traffic it could be a distant memory. In the skies of the Capital they could dart very soon flying taxis, electric and totally eco-sustainable, to move from Fiumicino airport to the center of Rome in just 15 minutes. The first drone-taxi in history, produced by the German company Volocopter, will be presented at Rome airport from 27 to 30 October together with Italian government officials and then in the city center from 2 to 5 November. The take-off date is set for 2024.
It is called "Volocity" and is a small two-seater helicopter with 18 rotors above and powered by 9 lithium batteries. It will move at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, landing and taking off from small urban spaces dedicated to departures and landings, the "ventiports". It will initially be piloted by a pilot, then remotely. At that point the passenger will only have to set the destination and the air taxi will take off into the tricolor sky to reach it.
It is the first time that a drone dedicated to the transport of passengers has arrived in Italy, but to see it in action we will have to wait another three years. Flight tests have already been carried out in Singapore and at Helsinki airport. Italy will thus have the possibility of being among the first in Europe to inaugurate that urban air mobility that will forever change the way we travel and enter a fruitful market that will touch i 4 billions of dollars in the 2030, with the creation of 90 jobs. But Italy is not alone. For the 2024 Olympics, France wants to finish first.
Furthermore, the drone taxi service will not be niche: the cost of a flight is around 140 euros. According to research by the European Aviation Safety Agency, which is currently dealing with regulation at European level, the majority of European citizens have a positive attitude towards urban air mobility.
This novelty will not only change the lives of people who will be able to move quickly around the city avoiding congested roads, but also the transport of medical supplies, the injured and doctors will find substantial advantages, as will the environment since the air taxi it will be zero emissions.
The announcement curiously coincided with the national strike of taxi drivers on 22 October 2021. The category calls for regulation of apps and interventions against abuse.
