At least six companies are based in Europe that develop aircraft suitable for passenger transportation within the city limits or for the delivery of goods in unmanned mode. Representatives of the agency in charge of aviation security expressed their readiness to allow the commercial operation of such equipment from 2024.

A statement was made by Patrick Ky, head of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). According to him, the commercial operation of flying taxis may begin in the region as early as 2024 or 2025. By the end of the decade, the market for such services will reach an annual turnover of 4,2 billion euros, according to regulators, and Europe will occupy at least 31% of the global market, while the number of new jobs will reach 90.

Some developments are already undergoing the EASA certification process, by 2024 the first light aircraft may already be allowed for commercial operation in Europe. The German company Volocopter, for example, expects to showcase its flying taxis by the start of the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. So far, we are talking about the operation of aircraft controlled by pilots, which will move along agreed routes within cities. Delivery of goods by air can be carried out by unmanned vehicles, and passenger drones will be allowed to operate only years later.

Opinion polls among residents of six large cities in Europe showed that up to 71% of respondents are interested in the possibility of using electric trains as a taxi, and 41% of those surveyed in Europe added that such aircraft would be appropriate to use for urgent delivery of patients to medical institutions. The public is also concerned about the impact of aircraft noise on the life of birds and insects in cities. Flight safety, including informational safety, is also a major concern of potential flying taxi customers.