Dubai hopes to launch a full-fledged flying cab service by 2026

Dubai wants to become the city that will become a leader in flying cabs by building a full network of flying cabs by 2026. The CEO of Skyports, which is building the landing infrastructure for these air cabs, said Wednesday that he believes the city will be the first in the world to integrate «a fully developed network» of flying cabs into its public transportation network, the Khaleej Times, an English-language newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates, reported.

Dubai is looking to become the first city in the world to integrate «a fully developed network» of flying cabs into its public transportation network, according to the Khaleej Times, an English-language newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates.

Skyports first announced plans to build vertiports — launch pads for flying cabs — in February, according to a press release on its website. Four landing pads are planned near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina.

The four landing pads are to be built near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina.

«These first sites will connect four of Dubai’s most popular and densely populated neighborhoods, providing high-speed, zero-emissions connectivity», — Skyports said in a press release.

Joby Aviation, a U.S. startup that makes so-called electric takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has joined Skyports in promoting the initiative, the release said. The flying car industry is projected to be worth $150 billion by 2035, and the startups are trying to convince companies and governments that the technology will reduce traffic congestion and pollution in major cities. The compact flying cars run on electricity, and their engines are quieter than those of conventional helicopters.

The compact flying cars are powered by electricity, and their engines are quieter than those of conventional helicopters.

There is a race among companies to build their own networks of short-term personal helicopters in cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Paris. Airlines including Delta, American and United are also investing in futuristic transportation to get passengers to and from the airport.

Airlines are also investing in futuristic transportation to and from the airport.