London to launch first 'electric flying taxis' by 2028, new plans unveiled

London is gearing up to combat transport issues for its massive population and is all set to launch its first electric flying taxis by 2028.

A British flying taxi manufacturing company in the UK has announced that electric flying taxis will be available in London for passengers to reduce their long-hour commutes into a few minutes.

The Vertical Aerospace company has introduced its air taxis named as ‘Valo aircraft,’ which have a capacity for up to six passengers.

“We’ve got a vehicle that can fly lots of times a day, can carry lots of passengers, needs very little maintenance, and is very efficient to operate,” said the company.

According to the Valo aircraft manufacturing company, the members of the public will get a chance to see the full-scale prototype at an open house in Canary Wharf on Wednesday December 10, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday, December 10,2025 Vertical Aerospace chief executive Stuart Simpson said, “Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality—clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service.”

“It marks a new dawn in transport, one that will connect people in minutes, not hours,” added Simpson.

The air taxi company introduces its first planned commercial route to include airport-to-city center connections.

The other planned destinations include London Gatwick, Heathrow, Cambridge, Oxford, and Bicester.

The flying air taxi company plans to build seven certification aircraft in the UK to undergo final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority CAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA.

The company’s spokesperson informed that “Like all new technology, Vertical Aerospace expects its aircraft will initially be a premium product used for airport transfers, but will evolve and become very affordable once production grows.”

“The aircraft is designed to be significantly cheaper than a helicopter, for instance, and to compete with ground transport and ultimately, the potential is for this aircraft to be a similar cost as hiring an Uber, the spokesperson added.

“It’s a breakthrough for aviation and a clear sign of the UK’s leadership in aerospace,” as the air taxis could also support emergency medical services and cargo missions, informs Vertical Aerospace.

Domhnal Slattery, chairman of Vertical Aerospace, said, “Valo sets a new standard—bigger, safer, and more capable than anything in the sector.”

Designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150mph, Valo is expected to launch with a four-seat cabin, room for six cabin bags and six checked bags, panoramic windows, and a cockpit divider for privacy and safety after achieving secure regulatory approvals within 3 years.

Additionally, Vertical Aerospace’s public open house will take place between 10am and 2pm on December 10, 2025 at The Pelligon in Canary Wharf.