Technology 2 min read

Boeing Air Taxi Completes its First Successful Test Flight

Boeing's PAV prototype hovering successfully above the ground during its first test flight | Boeing

Boeing's PAV prototype hovering successfully above the ground during its first test flight | Boeing

The world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing, announced Wednesday the first successful autonomous flight of its air taxi. The feat is a massive achievement for Boeing’s autonomous airplanes program.

The autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype was developed by engineers from Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing.

“In one year, we have progressed from a conceptual design to a flying prototype,” said Greg Hyslop, Boeing’s Chief Technology Officer.

“Boeing’s expertise and innovation have been critical in developing aviation as the world’s safest and most efficient form of transportation, and we will continue to lead with a safe, innovative and responsible approach to new mobility solutions.”

Boeing's future air taxi, the PAV prototype before test flight
The new Boeing air taxi, the PAV prototype dry-run | Boeing

Boeing’s Future Air Taxi

Boeing specifically designed the PAV prototype for autonomous flight. The air taxi also measures up at an impressive length of 30 feet width of 28 feet.

“This is what revolution looks like, and it’s because of autonomy,” John Langford, Aurora Flight Sciences president and CEO, added. “Certifiable autonomy is going to make quiet, clean and safe urban air mobility possible.”

Boeing conducted the test flight at a small airport in Manassas, Virginia. The autonomous vehicle reportedly took off vertically and hovered above the ground for a few seconds, then landed successfully.

Boeing plans to schedule more test flights for the PAV prototype in the coming months. After the success of its first flight, the company will now be focusing on its transition from vertical takeoff to wing-borne flight.

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Chelle Fuertes

Chelle is the Product Management Lead at INK. She's an experienced SEO professional as well as UX researcher and designer. She enjoys traveling and spending time anywhere near the sea with her family and friends.

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