The idea of creating a center for drones and flying taxis modeled after the Jetsons might sound like a concept out of a science fiction movie.
And more recently, that is what has happened, with the opening of the first port for drones and flying taxis, this week, under the name Air-One in Coventry.
The Air-One port is a hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones, including flying cars and taxis, and will serve as a blueprint for more than 200 ports worldwide over the next five years, according to Urban-Air Port. UK-based developer of Air-One.
From a central rising platform at the air port, flying taxis can carry passengers on their flights, and parcel delivery by drone can be ordered upon request.
The Air-One Vertiport is located in a parking lot next to Coventry Station, but upon entering inside a 17,000 square foot tent-like structure, you are transported into what could be the future of transportation.
The port is fully equipped in several “areas”, including the passenger terminal, coffee shop, pop-up shops, cargo logistics center, electric and hydrogen aerial vehicle hangar, security checkpoints, and a command and control center.
The main lounge hosts the café, and the retail area, where passengers waiting for their flying taxi can wait – like an airport departure lounge.
From there, users can select packages or items to be delivered to them while they wait on Air-One, select packages to be delivered to pick up areas across Coventry, or order the package to be delivered to other people.
Around the corner from the departure hall is a security area with a body scanner and baggage scanner, much like a regular airport in front of the launch pad.
The central elevating launch pad, with a diameter of 56 feet, is the focal point of the vertical port, and flying cars or flying taxis will be moved out when the launch pad is at ground level, allowing customers to board the aircraft comfortably and easily.
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