QUESTION
What are the steps for allowing electric air taxis to operate in New York City after FAA approval?
0:48:47
·
88 sec
The council member asks about the process and timeline for introducing electric air taxis in New York City once they receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The director of aviation at the New York City Economic Development Corporation responds:
- New York City could potentially allow electric air taxis to operate almost immediately after FAA approval.
- The specific timeline, including the proposed January date mentioned, is uncertain.
- New York City is viewed as a top priority market for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) companies due to noise concerns and strategic importance.
- Companies manufacturing eVTOL aircraft have already demonstrated interest in operating at New York City heliports.
- The director expresses optimism that eVTOL companies will prioritize deploying their services in New York City once the technology is approved.
Erik D. Bottcher
0:48:47
So let's say in January of next year, the FAA announces that we've we, the FAA, have approved electric air taxis as a safe flying technology in the United States.
0:49:02
What then happens here in New York City in in the EDC heliports for you to allow that technology.
0:49:12
When would that be happening in New York City
Anton Fredriksson
0:49:16
right away.
Erik D. Bottcher
0:49:17
So They they approve it in January of next year, and we think that we could see electric air taxis in the air late January of next year?
Anton Fredriksson
0:49:28
So we don't know about the January date, first of all.
0:49:31
I will say that the nice thing about being New York and because of particularly because of these noise issues, this is the top market for for most of these companies.
0:49:40
I personally worked at one of these companies prior, and the reason I'm in this role is because New York kept on coming up at the top of this list for the rollout of this technology.
0:49:49
And we see in the interest that the, you know, a leading European EV told company and leading American, you know, move their aircraft to our heliport to to demonstrate that this is a top priority for them.
0:50:02
So we're encouraged that that these companies that have these aircraft and hopefully, the customers of these aircraft as well, depending on the business model, we'll put New York first on that list.
0:50:13
We want you know, we'd like to be Paris.