The skies of Britian are set to see flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries by 2030 following the launch of a new strategy from the country’s Department for Transport (DfT).

Setting out a roadmap for drones and novel electric aircraft in the UK, the plan details how technology could transform our skies, with studies estimating drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.

The DfT detailed plans for the first piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 and regular services by 2028, regular drone deliveries across our skies by 2027 and demos of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030, a move it says will transform how people and goods are transported.

UK aviation and technology minister, Anthony Browne, said:  “Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality.

“From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy.”

The DfT explained greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.

Some of the other actions set out in the plan include:

• allowing drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) so that the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft.
• breathing life into smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for electric aircraft that take off vertically (sometimes known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft).
• developing standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety.
• engaging communities and local authorities so that they can enjoy the economic and social benefits of these technologies.

First outlined in the Flightpath to the Future in 2022, the DfT said the joint plan between industry and government sets out the strategic direction of the sector over the next 5 years, striking a balance between innovation, security, safety and cutting emissions.

Sophie O’Sullivan, head of future safety and innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Aviation stands on the cusp of its next, potentially biggest, revolution since the invention of the jet engine. Drones, eVTOL and other different vehicles have the potential to change transportation options forever.

“We welcome the firm direction the government’s Future of Flight action plan provides for the industry as it continues to innovate. Our role in this bright future of aviation will be enabling technological advances and providing regulatory support while ensuring that all forms of new aviation technology enjoy the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.”

The strategy will enable the development of vertiports, mini airports for drones and electric aircraft that take off vertically, by developing certification standards and reviewing the use of existing infrastructure to deliver at speed, boost safety and security and put the passenger first.

The DfT added Industry partners will also undertake multiple trials to explore new ways to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight and demonstrate electric aircraft, keeping accidents to a minimum and making the most of technological advances. This could include finding and repairing faults quicker on our railways with fewer delays and cancellations for train passengers, providing new connections across the UK and using technology to help our emergency services.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports and chairman of the Future of Flight Industry Group, said: “The UK is home to one of the world’s most important aerospace industries and is in an ideal position to be a pioneer in the next era of aviation. The government and industry have a joint commitment to support the development, industrialisation and introduction of new aviation technologies. Continued collaboration will ensure that we capitalise on the significant domestic and international market opportunities presented by the future of flight.

“By supporting research and development in electric aircraft and drones, and with the help of key partners like the CAA, the action plan aims to usher in a new era of eco-friendly aviation and boost the economy with new investments, ensuring the UK captures the full potential of this emerging global industry as a force for good and a driver of growth.”

The DfT explained greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.