#electric-aviation

#electric-aviation

Passengers will be able to book an air taxi ride through the Uber app in Dubai before the end of 2026, the company said on Wednesday. The option will use flying electric vehicles created by startup Joby Aviation. Joby's aircraft can fit up to four passengers and are flown by commercial pilots, the companies said. Joby will operate four landing locations, or "vertiports," in Dubai, connecting Dubai International Airport with a mall, a hotel on Palm Jumeirah, and the American University of Dubai.

Alia had flown 100 miles (160km) in 55 minutes on battery power alone. Built by US aerospace company Beta Technologies, the electric plane is designed for cargo operations - carrying up to 560kg (half a tonne) loads. The flight had simulated a planned cargo route between the coastal cities of Stavanger and Bergen, and for the next few months test-flights will be carried out, as part of the country's move towards establishing low-emission aviation.

Alef Aeronautics received approval to begin flying car tests at Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports this week, a step closer toward commercial production for what the San Mateo-based startup calls the world's first flying car. The company will start testing with its Model Zero Ultralight and later expand to other Model Zero prototypes and its $300,000 commercial Model A. Planned testing will include driving, vertical takeoff, forward flight, vertical landing and ground and air maneuvering.

"The Netherlands was quite early in investing in a good charging network for electric cars. We've done this as one of the best in the world; we've truly become a leader in this area. We want to do exactly the same with flying."