In an effort to build the first electric aviation ecosystem, Bristol Airpot's "flying taxi" will have two test flights in two years.
Bristol Airport's "Flying Taxi" is Slated for Two Test Flights in 2024
In an attempt to create the first electric flight ecosystem, two test flights of a zero-emission "flying taxi" between Bristol Airport and a South West airfield are scheduled for 2024.
The government has granted a £9.5 million ($11.4 million) grant to a new collaboration that includes the Bristol aerospace company Vertical Aerospace, which is building the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and the carrier Virgin Atlantic, which will conduct the testing flights.
A third demonstration flight is scheduled between London Heathrow airport and a new "vertiport" innovation center, to be constructed by airspace infrastructure business Skyports, in addition to the two actual flights between Bristol Airport and the other unnamed South West destination.
A third virtual simulation flight between Bristol Airport and London City Airport aims to demonstrate the aircraft's potential for connecting metropolitan centers.
The key elements of the passenger trip, vehicle operating, airspace navigation, ground charging, security provision, and local stakeholder interaction will all be covered in the demos.
By supporting the test flights by 2024, Heathrow and Bristol Airport will enable the partnership to investigate and learn from the potential and difficulties of operating in various airport settings.
Additionally, the project has also received the most current financing via a project called the "Future Flight Challenge.". As part of the UK's commitment to decrease carbon emissions to net zero, it is provided by the government-sponsored organization UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which aims to assist in the development of more environmentally friendly flying methods such as all-electric aircraft and drone deliveries.
The company has previously said that the plane would be able to transport four people more than 100 miles at a peak speed of more than 200 mph while emitting little to no noise and pollutants while in operation.
Bristol Airport Initiates Campaign to Fight Disruptive Conduct
The Bristol Airport is working harder to stop disruptive behavior. The airport has started a campaign to increase public awareness of the effects of such behavior.
The most serious of these include being denied to board, being barred from an airline, paying fines of up to £80,000 ($ 96,000), and even spending time in jail.
Bristol Airport issued a statement saying it had agreed to abide by the UK Aviation Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers and was a dedicated participant in the "One Too Many" effort, the aviation sector's disruptive passenger awareness campaign.
According to the airport, additional notices regarding disruptive behavior will be put on digital displays in the terminal, stores, restaurants, and social media. The campaign will make it very apparent that being disruptive on board an airplane is prohibited, as well as the repercussions of denying passengers flight.
On Sunday, June 17, a Bristol Airport customer reportedly attacked a security worker. A man and a woman were "intoxicated" as they tried to board the 17.45 easyJet aircraft to Alicante, police said. The guy started yelling at gate workers, so airport security and other passengers intervened. He also reportedly struck a security guard.
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