The Government has released it’s ‘Future of Flight’ action plan that could regularly introduce flying taxies and emergency service drones by 2028.

Drone technology could transform our skies and boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade, the Government says.

Plans include, for the first piloted taxi to take flight by 2026 and regular services introduced by 2028, drone deliveries across skies planned by 2027 and demos of autonomous flying taxies without pilots on board by 2030.

The Government have outlined significant plans for the future of how people and goods will be transported.

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 Government has said that these greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology.

This means they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, 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.

“We welcome the firm direction the government’s Future of Flight action plan provides for the industry as it continues to innovate. 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.”

Read the Future of Flight action plan here.