NEW YORK — Air travel in New York City is heading to new heights with new technology being tested out of John F. Kennedy International Airport.
On Monday, a first-of-its-kind electric air taxi took off from JFK Airport. The aircraft by Joby Aviation is a quiet helicopter that can take off vertically.
It is apparently 100 times quieter than a traditional helicopter. It seats up to four passengers plus a pilot and includes room for luggage.
The company is working to get Federal Aviation Administration certification for the aircraft to be used as a cab to get people across the city. Specifically, its goal is to bring people from JFK where they need to go in seven minutes.
The aircraft operates between JFK and several sites across the city’s existing heliport network, including the Downtown Skyport and the West 30th Street and East 34th Street heliports in Midtown.
The Port Authority said Monday’s demonstration showcases its commitment to safety and innovation.
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“We operate some of the busiest airports in the world, and with that comes a responsibility to think seriously about what aviation looks like in the decades ahead for our passengers, for our communities, and for the environment,” Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said. “This demonstration flight is one data point in a larger body of work we’re building around next-generation electric aviation, and it reflects our conviction that responsible exploration of these technologies now is how we prepare this region for the future.”
Officials say down the line, the sky is the limit.
“Time-sensitive organ transplant deliveries could take minutes not hours,” Garcia said.
The goal for Joby Aviation is to debut in New York sometime within the next year.
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