An all-electric aircraft has flown demonstration flights from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport, something the operator hopes will become an everyday occurrence at locations around the world.
Electric air taxi firm Joby Aviation flew the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstration flights between two points in New York City on Friday and is continuing testing this week.
The electric aircraft, which look similar to a giant battery-powered drone, can carry five people, including one pilot. It takes off vertically like a helicopter, then some of the propellers tilt to propel the aircraft forward. The company says they are quieter than helicopters and produce zero operating emissions because they are electric.
The goal is to connect existing heliports in Lower and Midtown Manhattan to JFK International Airport in less than 10 minutes instead of the one-to two-hour drive.
“These flights advance our work to determine how next-generation aviation technology can serve the people of New York and New Jersey,” said Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the area’s airports, in a release.
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