The giant American airline “Delta Airlines” intends to invest in the…flying taxi“, which will provide flying vehicles powered by pure electric energy, and it is expected that this project will constitute a leap in the field of short transportation and mobility within cities.
Delta Air Lines joins the growing list of airlines looking to make short trips to and from airports faster and easier, according to a report published by the American network CNBC.
Delta has committed $60 million to invest in the operation of Joby Aviation, which plans to build and operate an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, an efficient air taxi.
Delta will also have an exclusive five-year partnership with eVTOL’s Joby as part of the Delta network, and Delta CEO Ed Pestian says the company will work to transport passengers to and from airports more efficiently. Faster and less hassle.
“We will provide them with an opportunity to enhance this experience by taking a Joby car from somewhere near their home or business directly to the airport experience and saving 50%, if not more, of their commute time on the ground,” he added.
According to the CNBC report, the Joby and Delta alliance will initially target eVTOL service to and from airports in New York City and Los Angeles, although the two companies envision that the service will grow to other airports across the United States. And finally all over the world.
“Airport routes are the primary routes, and they are truly valuable infrastructure and can save time for customers,” said Jobin Beffert, founder and CEO of Joby.
The Delta and Joby deal means that the three old US airlines have all taken stakes in eVTOL startups. Whereas, “American Airlines” had invested $ 25 million in Vertical Aerospace and ordered 50 aircraft from a British company working in this field.
United Airlines has two eVTOL investments and aircraft orders, one for $15 million and the other for $10 million.