EVTOL tips

Flying taxis could be in the skies above Dubai by next year. The bold claim follows the signing of a new deal between local officials and a California-based transportation company.

Last week was the second-biggest this year for travel startup funding. And this week’s total, $331 million, makes it the third-biggest this year.

Flying taxis raised hundreds of millions of dollars last year, and they’re continuing to raise money in 2024. Some are further along in development than others, but the one featured this week has already begun testing.

InterGlobe Enterprises, which backs India’s top airline IndiGo, and U.S.-based Archer Aviation will launch an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026 that will be “cost-competitive” with on-road services, the companies said Thursday.

Joby Aviation has delayed the introduction of its new electric air taxi by about a year to 2025, as the certification of the new aircraft proceeds slower than hoped. The developer disclosed the delay in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday issued the airworthiness criteria that Archer Aviation will need to meet for its M001 air taxi to be certified for use.

Four travel tech startups raised $158.5 million over the last week and a half.

Dubai has yet again revealed its plans to connect the city through flying taxis and expects to launch aerial taxi operations by 2026.

Three travel tech startups raised $23.5 million this week.

The Indian government has advised telecom service providers to take precautions that minimize the interference of fifth generation (5G) networks — which allows for faster wireless speeds — in aircraft operations, including establishing safety and buffer zones and placing 5G towers near airports, according to a Press Trust of India report. Indian aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not conducted any research on the potential impact of 5G signals on safe civil aircraft operations, according to VK Singh, minister of state for civil aviation. “However, DGCA has reviewed the studies/action undertaken by various countries during the launch of 5G on the potential interference of 5G C-band signals on radio altimeters installed on the aircraft and risk involved in air travel,” Singh was quoted as saying. He said there is a possibility of interference with radio altimeters, which could jeopardize safe airline operations. Concerns over the 5G network interfering with flights had been raised internationally. U.S. aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration had warned last year that potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments such as altimeters and impact on low-visibility operations. Last month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had also expressed concern that many airlines would not be able to retrofit their planes to handle new 5G wireless technology in time for the peak summer travel season. 

Power grids around the world are not yet ready for the so-called flying car, an executive with Brazilian start-up Eve Air Mobility told Reuters, adding that the electric aircraft maker is in talks with power providers to bridge the gap.

Three travel tech companies have announced more than $193 million in funding this week.

Three travel tech startups have announced more than $4 million in funding this week.

Three travel tech companies announced funding this week totaling nearly $230 million.