Sky Taxis

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 'Above the water': First look at Brisbane's air taxi service $

Within just a few years, residents and visitors to Brisbane could be able to get around inside a flying taxi, new concept details show, with the River City's geography making it a perfect place to launch the technology in Australia.

Air taxi services could soon be a reality in Queensland, with the first look at Skyportz's "Vertiport" Brisbane concept released.

The electric air-taxi company unveiled its new concept at the Advanced Air Mobility Summit on the Gold Coast, featuring a route along the Brisbane River. ....

Skyportz's concept for an overwater "Vertiport" in Brisbane. Picture Supplied

[RowBro]

That looks like some AI created image.

[verbatim9]

Connecting the two casino assets and conveniently located near the tower of power for the pollies as well.

[Habitant]

I'm not sure what the market is for this service, even if the technology works.

The closest I've experienced is flying with the HarbourAir floatplanes from downtown Vancouver to Victoria (on Vancouver island) last year. It was a ~40min flight (IIRC) at about 1000feet altitude. But the prices were 150-250 CAD depending on departure times, so it was really more akin to a short commercial flight than a taxi service.

[#Metro]

It's not mass transit.

Key questions:

1. What is the likely fare (hint: expensive)
2. What is the line capacity (hint: very low)

With these sort of characteristics, the service will be limited to high-cost low volume part of the transport demand. It might be good for tourists or high-income individuals/company travel. But not the general public IMO.

RBOT's April Fools media release highlights some of the key issues.

Media Release 1 Apr 2023: BCC launch of Air-BUZ above North-West Transport Corridor
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15117.0

[timh]

The market is for casino whales. Ultra cashed-up tourists. The kind of clientele who take private helicopters and jets. It's not public transport, it's basically a theme park ride for multi-millionaires

[OzGamer]

The market is for casino whales. Ultra cashed-up tourists. The kind of clientele who take private helicopters and jets. It's not public transport, it's basically a theme park ride for multi-millionaires

Yes, and gobbling up half of our river for their amusement. This must be a joke, surely.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1824194321048015255

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Businessman John Wagner signs deal with Skyports to develop air taxis for south-east Queensland

In short:

Queensland businessman John Wagner has signed an agreement to help develop air taxi infrastructure in south-east Queensland.

Mr Wagner says he wants the technology to be operating ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

What's next?

Several companies including US-based Wisk are vying to have their aircraft certified over the coming years. ...

... The University of Queensland's Kai Lim, from the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation, said air taxis would initially be suited to executives or the rich who could afford the convenience and price of playing for an air taxi. ...

[Jonno]

Privatize the profit and socialise the costs (aka noise) Has major effect on people's health but we just accept it as "life"

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Plans to turn Archerfield Airport into air taxi hub $

A Brisbane airfield has inked a deal to become the region's air taxi hub with the airport's operators promising the move won't increase flight noise.

Archerfield Airport in Brisbane's south will be the base for the region's future Advanced Air Mobility operations, hosting self-flying taxis that will whiz passengers around in time for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032.

Executive General Manager at Archerfield Airport Corporation, Rod Parry said the airport was well-placed to service the emerging advanced air mobility sector. ...