Just last month, we were speculating about how an Uber-style fleet of driverless cars could change the make-up of cities. Now, the same questions may need to be applied not to our roads, but to the skies far above: Helicopter livery operator Gotham Air has launched an airborne taxi service, promising to transfer time-squeezed commuters from Manhattan to JFK or Newark Airport in as little as six minutes.
Via Digital Trends
At time of writing, the service is being offered at $149 a flight for those registering for their beta Group, and trips can be booked via their dedicated app, naturally. Regular prices are likely to start at $219, so it is probably safe to say this won’t be for your average commuter, but it does offer a convenient alternative for the high-flying executives of Wall Street… and tourists who fancy a glimpse at the extraordinary skyline as they depart the city for the final time. Meanwhile, architecture enthusiasts can get some extra mileage (so to speak) out of those six minutes by pretending to be Iwan Baan.
A couple of peculiar quirks are in danger of limiting Gotham Air’s success at this early stage – firstly, flights are only confirmed for take off once four passengers have booked for a scheduled departure time, adding an element of uncertainty that is sure to put off many. Secondly, there is currently a luggage weight limit of 25 lbs, which doesn’t seem entirely practical when you consider that every passenger is heading for the airport…
Via psfk
Given its pricing and limited routes, it doesn’t seem likely that this particularly form of transport will transform the infrastructure of New York City any time soon. However, it should certainly add a whole new dimension to the Monday morning commute — for a privileged few.
Yours in full flight,
Top image via psfk