Air taxis take off (Soon)
One company said it will be building hundreds of new aircraft in the same Midwestern city. And these flyers will be air taxis! JoeBen Bevirt is the founder and CEO of this company, called Joby. “We’re building the future of aviation right where it all started — in Dayton, Ohio,” announced Bevirt. “The Wright Brothers harnessed revolutionary technology of their time to open up the skies,” he explained. “And we intend to do the same.” Joby’s new air taxis use electric energy, which means they don’t burn gasoline. They can take off and land by going straight up and down. Joby’s electric planes can zip through the sky at speeds of 200 miles per hour (320 kph). They will be able to carry a pilot and four passengers. However, these futuristic fliers won’t be able to fly as far as normal planes. They can travel for about 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge. Unlike the Wright Brothers’ first planes, Bevirt said his aircraft “bring quiet and emissions-free flight.” And people will be able to call for a ride — just like ordering an Uber. Before anyone can get to ride these fancy new fliers, however, Joby needs to build them! The recent announcement included plans to build a factory at the Dayton International Airport. Construction should begin in 2024, and up to 2,000 people will work there. The factory should be able to produce 500 flying taxis each year. People may be able to start riding in them by 2025. The high-flying project will cost $500 million. However, the Ohio state government is supporting the construction with millions of dollars in financial aid. After all, Ohio is nicknamed “The Birthplace of Aviation.” Besides the Wright Brothers, dozens of astronauts were from Ohio as well. That includes John Glenn (the first American in space) and Neil Armstrong (the first person on the Moon).