Airbus: No Robotic Flying Taxis Coming Soon

France aerospace giant Airbus SE is testing prototype autonomous electric planes, but the company says commercial applications aren’t likely for many years.

First must come significant advances in battery technology and charging capability, Amanda Simpson, Airbus Americas vice president for research and technology, tells reporters at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis.

Airbus showed an updated version of its single-seat Vahana electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) vehicle (pictured) at the annual event. But Simpson says current batteries can provide no more than 30 miles of range. She says initial VTOL applications are more likely to use hybrid-electric power systems to extend range and alleviate charging concerns.

Simpson also points to high costs and consumer safety concerns as other barriers to commercialization. She discounts as unrealistic the claims by developers that operating costs for air taxis will be on par with those of a family car.

The Vahana display has generated considerable interest at Oshkosh and other recent shows. But Simpson says attendees are concerned about the fully autonomous plane’s lack of backup control systems.

VTOLs also need to be approved by regulators. Airbus is working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Agency and similar regulators in Europe. But Simpson says initial applications may be in Asia-Pacific markets, where it may be faster and easier to gain approval. Such countries also tend to have higher population densities where flying taxies would be more beneficial.

Early uses in the U.S. likely will be in rural areas for medical transport units or expedited deliveries to shipping hubs, Simpson suggests. She didn’t say when Airbus aimed to launch an air taxi service.

The Vahana has logged more than 100 test flight hours. Airbus also has begun testing the four-passenger CityAirbus earlier this year.