Self-flying air taxis are in the plans at Miami’s airport. See 5 takeaways

Miami International Airport is exploring the future of transportation with plans to introduce autonomous flying taxis, thanks to a collaboration between the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Wisk Aero. These electric self-flying planes aim to offer a new way for travelers to reach nearby destinations in South Florida.

FULL STORY: Need a ride at the Miami airport? A self-flying air taxi may be coming

Here are the highlights:

• Partnership details: Wisk Aero, backed by Boeing and Google co-founder Larry Page, is working with Miami-Dade to establish “vertiports” for flying taxis at key locations including Miami Internatal Airport. No airport funds are being used to start.

• Tech advancements: The flying taxis, which take off like helicopters and fly like planes, are part of a broader push for innovation at MIA, complementing recent tech initiatives like autonomous wheelchairs and navigation apps for the visually impaired.

• Development timeline: While the flying taxis are still years away, with FAA certification expected by 2030, the partnership allows MIA to stay ahead in evaluating and using new transportation technologies.

• Urban air transport vision: Wisk’s current model can carry four passengers and fly about 90 miles, making it ideal for urban routes like Miami to Fort Lauderdale, with fares aimed to be comparable to Uber rides.

• Safety and testing: Wisk is focused on achieving high safety standards, conducting extensive testing and simulations, and coordinating with air traffic control, as it prepares to launch in Miami and other U.S. cities.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.