London unlikely to trial “high-risk technologies”, such as air-taxis due to complex airspace says Sa

London is unlikely to trial “high-risk technologies”, such as air-taxis, due to complex and dense airspace says Sadiq Khan. A host of new tech companies have expressed their desire to develop and operate ‘air taxis’ in London and around the world. Just last week, Airbus released plans to trial a service in Paris ready for its Olympic Games in 2024.

Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon asked the London Mayor Sadiq Khan, what work Transport for London is carrying out to be ahead of this potential development in London.

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, responded by saying: “Transport for London (TfL) has no direct role in the regulation or management of airspace. However, it is working with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to better understand the implications of increasing drone use and ‘urban air mobility’ on London and to ensure our city’s voice is taken into account as national regulation develops. “TfL has worked closely with Nesta and leading London’s Flying High Task Force to look at the integration of drone and other urban air mobility technologies. As London is the UK’s most complex and dense airspace, it should not be the first place to trial or pilot disruptive, high-risk technologies. However, TfL will continue to reach out to the market adopting a safety and security-first approach, promoting alignment of any future operators with Policy 23 of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.” 

Image: Greater London Authority