Electric Air Taxi Makes Quiet Debut in New York City
Electric aircraft could be the future of low-noise transport in New York after a zero-emissions air taxi made its first successful flight in the city this month.
The super-quiet electric aircraft flew from a heliport in downtown Manhattan on November 12, the first trip of its kind in the city.
Designed by Joby, a company that develops electric aircraft, the aircraft can carry four people and is powered by six electric motors. It can reach a top speed of around 320 kilometers per hour, and takes just five minutes to recharge.
Although it might look similar to a regular helicopter, it is 100 times quieter. The sound of the aircraft has been measured at around 45 decibels when flying 500 meters above the ground, which Joby says is quieter than an average conversation.
The aircraft can travel 160 kilometers after just one charge, and is designed to make back-to-back trips. Joby says that while a trip from JFK Airport to Manhattan may take over an hour by car, it would take just seven minutes in the air taxi.
On November 13, the day after the aircraft's flight, New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, announced the city's plan to electrify the heliport in Manhattan in an aim to become a global leader in clean, quiet flight.
In a press release, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation said "We plan to make quiet, emissions-free flight an affordable, everyday reality for New Yorkers, while significantly reducing the impact of helicopter noise."
The idea is that travelers can book their trip in the Joby aircraft as they would on a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft. While the cost of a trip is still unconfirmed, the company has previously said using the electric aircraft will only set you back as much as a ride-share in a car, according to Reuters.
The aircraft is currently being tested to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards before it becomes available for commercial use. Joby hopes to begin public trips in the aircraft in 2025.
