The era when we’ll tell a taxi “fly me to the city center!” and the driver will reply “at what altitude?”—with both meaning it literally—is not far off. What once sounded like a joke or something seen only in sci-fi movies as a “glimpse into the future” is now becoming reality. In the U.S. metropolis of New York, a flying taxi service is preparing to make its debut. These are not helicopters, but eVTOLs—electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles—which are set to revolutionize transportation.

Outside the New York Stock Exchange these days, a vehicle by Joby Aviation is parked. The publicly listed company’s vehicle—whose stock has surged in recent days—resembles a quadcopter or hexacopter drone. The difference is that it is larger, carries a pilot, and is designed to transport passengers from rooftop to rooftop, helping them avoid the city’s hellish traffic and significantly reduce travel time.

The idea is appealing to many—not just as a concept for transportation but also as a business opportunity. That’s why in other major cities around the world, including Athens, business interests are engaging in discussions and negotiations to get ahead of the revolution that flying taxis are expected to bring.

How they will work

Why is this considered a revolution, given that helicopters already provide a somewhat similar service? The answer lies in the differences, as industry experts explain. eVTOLs are fully electric (battery-powered), lightweight, and relatively simple in construction—much like drones.

Because they take off and land vertically, they are more flexible than conventional helicopters in many ways. They are quieter, easier to operate, and lighter.

Their lightweight nature, combined with the use of 4–6 independent electric motors, leads authorities to classify them among the safest aircraft. They can take off and land on rooftops with minimal complications, carrying passengers and luggage.

The aircraft developed by Joby Aviation has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and approval from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It features six electric motors, each with two propellers, and the manufacturer claims it could continue flying even if two motors fail.

The vehicle takes off vertically, transitions into forward flight, and lands in very small spaces—like a helicopter or, more accurately, a drone. Manufacturers say it is quieter than traditional helicopters and can significantly reduce travel times. Inside, the cabin is designed for passenger safety and comfort, with comfortable seating, seat belts, and charging stations for phones and tablets.

The plan

The plan by Joby Aviation is for its air taxis to begin operating soon, with stations on rooftops of apartment buildings and skyscrapers in New York. Destinations will include JFK Airport, ports, and even emergency services such as hospital transport.

The company claims it could revolutionize services like organ transport for transplants, reducing delivery times from hours to just minutes.

Similarly, it aims to transform passenger transport. For example, it could reduce travel time for up to five people from Manhattan to JFK Airport from about 2 hours today to just 7 minutes—at a cost similar to an Uber Black ride (around $200 per trip). But can this really happen?

Licensing and rollout

The answer appears to be yes, following the first test flight of such an eVTOL and preparations for regular routes to and from JFK Airport. Official licensing is expected soon, as these vehicles are zero-emission, quiet, fast, and safe.

The airport has already built its first landing and takeoff point for electric aircraft, and early tests from licensed heliports showed that routes can be completed in just 15 minutes. The company is also planning routes to destinations like Newark and the Hamptons.

The eVTOL market is attracting strong investment interest. This is reflected not only in the surge of Joby Aviation’s stock, but also in broader industry momentum.

Instead of navigating complex bureaucracy, Joby acquired Blade Air Mobility, a local aviation company operating planes, seaplanes, and helicopters, which served over 90,000 passengers in 2025.

It has also partnered with Delta Air Lines and Uber to launch its air taxi service, aiming to ease congestion that cost New York residents an estimated 102 hours in traffic in 2025.

Similar developments are underway in cities like Dubai, Beijing, and Frankfurt.

According to a study by Morgan Stanley, the global eVTOL market is expected to exceed $1.3 trillion by 2040.

What about Greece?

There is also movement in Greece, though at a slower pace due to stricter European regulations. Companies already licensed—such as Greek Airtaxi Network—are attracting interest from investors exploring partnerships ahead of global expansion.

Recent notable developments include acquisitions and collaborations involving companies like Superior Air and agreements between Greek and U.S. firms specializing in drones and aerial transport.

Despite strong investor interest—especially in tourism—industry experts believe it will take time before eVTOLs operate in Greece. Strict regulations and limited licensing mean that not only passenger transport but even test flights may still be some way off.