When flying taxis could land in Victoria

A network of mini airports across Melbourne and regional Victoria is slated as part of a bold plan to make flying taxis and drone deliveries a reality.

Render of Electra Aero vehicle flying over the Yarra River.

Melbourne is set to be at the centre of a renewed push to make flying taxis and drone deliveries a reality, with the state and federal governments paving the way for the cutting-edge technology.

The Herald Sun can reveal Victoria and the Commonwealth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster the industry of advanced aerial mobility, which includes flying electric vehicles and advanced drones for freight.

The document will be a starting point for both levels of government to find the right regulations and policies to encourage the technology in the state.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said Victoria was well placed because it already had strong links to aerospace, defence, software and advanced manufacturing.

“Victoria has long embraced innovation and this partnership will put us at the forefront of a new industry which will create thousands of jobs as sustainable aviation technologies emerge,” he said.

“Advanced aerial mobility has enormous potential for Victoria, bringing the latest technology to our health and emergency services, as well as improving connectivity.

The MoU also involves the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister and federal Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce said the technology would benefit connections to regional communities, including emergency services,

“People who choose to live in regional areas should not be disadvantaged or cut off from the goods and services they need, particularly health care.

“Developing this industry will ensure regional Australians are better connected to major cities and the services they rely on.

Render of an Electra Aero vehicle flying over Geelong.

“The Commonwealth agencies have agreed to actively work to establish a safe, sustainable and resilient advanced air mobility industry, including collaborating with Victoria on creating an operating environment that will help industry achieve regulatory readiness.”

Victoria was first put on the global stage for “air taxis” when it became just one of three places in the world to be named as a pilot location for Uber Elevate.

But the business – which wanted to launch electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that are quieter than helicopters and require less space – was sold to a company that has instead focused on the US.

However, aerial taxis are still in the mix for Victorian skies thanks to companies that are planning ahead to grow the fledgling market.

Brazilian company Embraer has signed up to provide 100 eVTOL’s across Australia and South-East Asia, with aerial taxis possibly running in Melbourne by 2026.

Melbourne-based company Skyportz has also partnered with US firm Electra Aero to investigate future services.

Skyportz is purchasing and preparing sites across Australia that can handle the futuristic aircraft for the day they become more popular.

Chief executive and former Liberal MP Clem Newton-Brown said he believed air taxis would eventually be embraced and Melbourne could be at the forefront of the boom with policy support from the state.

“There is literally billions of dollars going into developing these new aircraft and they cannot fulfil their potential without new landing sites,” he said.

“Investors into the aircraft are currently scouring the world seeking cities which have the policy and regulatory settings in place to enable operations to commence.”

“At Skyportz we have over 400 sites ready to activate across Australia and the state which first offers the regulatory environment we need will see huge investment flow.

“We envisage a network of mini airports across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria which will provide new options for passenger and freight services.”

Mr Newton-Brown said the community needed to be shown the system could work in acceptable areas before it would be taken more widely.

“My suggestion is that the Victorian government should start with air taxi landing infrastructure being permitted in places such as industrial areas, business parks and big retail centres,” he said.