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Dubai has once again promised to launch flying taxis, which should happen in 2026, the Associated Press reported.

The commercial heartland of the United Arab Emirates first announced such plans in 2017, but without fixing a start date for the service.

Now, however, things are beginning to take on a more concrete character.

On Sunday, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, introduced the program in a video posted on Twitter.

The flying taxis, powered by six rotors, are to be provided by California-based company Joby Aviation.

The inclusion in the program of the American company instead of the Chinese "EHang 184" (EHang 184) and "XPeng X2" (XPeng X2) or the German "Volocopter" (Volocopter), which were already presented in Dubai, was not explained by the authorities in the emirate.

"We are excited about the opportunity presented to us and we will do what is necessary to take advantage of it," said a spokesman for Jobi.

According to Ahmed Barozyan of the Dubai Transport Authority, the program is only "in its infancy".

"We haven't signed partnership contracts yet," he said.

Another significant difference with previous statements by Dubai authorities regarding flying taxis is the details presented in the future program.

The city plans to build four "vertiports", or vertical takeoff pads, at the international airport, downtown, Jumeirah Island and the port.

They will consist of two landing and takeoff pads and four charging stations.

Dubai with $8.7 trillion economic plan

"We think that these are the main places for business and tourists and will attract enough interest," says Barozyan, adding that the price will be comparable or slightly higher than limousine transportation in the emirate, which is about 30 percent more. expensive than regular taxi fares.

Their price starts at $3.25 and the fee for each kilometer traveled is $0.50.

Another change from the original plans calls for the taxis to be piloted, not autonomous, and able to carry up to four passengers, matching the machines being developed by Jobi.

According to Barozyan, tests of autonomous taxis will continue.

Jobi's prototype can travel 240 km on a single charge, which fully satisfies the scale of Dubai and its surroundings.

It takes off and said vertically, and in flight its rotors tilt forward.

Its maximum speed is 320 km/h.

Jobi is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and among its most important shareholders are Intel and Delta Air Lines. 

flying taxis