By: Peter Babinsky

As the New York Post reported, a futuristic, zero-emissions “air taxi” that looks ripped straight from The Jetsons could be carrying New Yorkers across the city before the end of the decade, according to its manufacturer.

UK-based Vertical Aerospace recently unveiled its new electric aircraft, known as the Valo, during an industry preview in Manhattan. The four-seat vehicle is designed to travel up to 100 miles at speeds of roughly 150 mph — all without producing emissions, the company said, according to the Post.

Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson told the New York Post the aircraft is aimed at solving the growing strain on traditional transportation systems.

“If you think of mass transport … the infrastructure just doesn’t work anymore,” Simpson said while showcasing the aircraft, which is piloted and roughly the size of a conventional helicopter but significantly quieter.

As the Post reported, Vertical hopes to secure Federal Aviation Administration and UK regulatory approval by 2028, allowing the Valo to operate short routes such as JFK Airport to downtown Manhattan. Simpson described the aircraft as an “air taxi,” offering quick, low-altitude travel between key destinations.

“This low-altitude economy frees up billions of hours for people,” Simpson told the Post, arguing commuters could spend more time with family rather than stuck in cars or overcrowded trains.

According to the New York Post, the company envisions tourism operators and private businesses purchasing the aircraft and designing routes that slash travel times between airports, stadiums and popular weekend destinations. Vertical estimates that a trip from JFK to lower Manhattan — currently about an hour by train — could be reduced to just seven minutes, while remaining emissions-free.

Vertical is also developing a hybrid version of the aircraft that could seat up to six passengers and fly distances of up to 1,000 miles, the Post reported.

Potential routes under consideration include flights between downtown Manhattan and MetLife Stadium via Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, as well as connections between Long Island and Manhattan heliports such as West 30th Street and East 40th Street, according to the New York Post. The company is also exploring luxury sightseeing flights and emergency uses, including medical air transport across the New York region.

Pricing for passengers has not yet been announced, though images released by Vertical show leather interiors, mood lighting and digital displays — underscoring the luxury angle of the project, the Post noted.

The Valo aircraft was first introduced in London and is expected to debut there several months before New York. As the New York ёPost reported, Vertical aims to manufacture up to 1,000 aircraft annually by 2035, with fleets operating in major global cities.

The company has already logged nearly 1,500 preorders, with customers including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow and Japan Airlines, according to the Post.

Noise — a major issue in New York — is another selling point. Simpson told the New York Post the Valo is quieter than traditional helicopters, a critical distinction as city officials move to crack down on nonessential chopper traffic.

Last year, the City Council passed legislation banning most nonessential helicopter flights from Manhattan heliports by 2029 unless they meet strict FAA noise standards. As the Post reported, the bill followed a deadly tourism helicopter crash that killed a family of five and their pilot and also encourages electric aircraft as alternatives.

Short-distance air travel already exists in the city through companies like Blade, which was recently acquired by Joby Aviation. Blade currently offers JFK-to-Manhattan helicopter rides for up to $195, while Joby is pursuing FAA certification for its own electric air taxi, the Post reported.

Simpson said the Valo was built to address the “noisy, dirty and unsafe” reputation of traditional helicopters. According to the New York Post, the aircraft costs operators about $2 per seat per mile and requires less than a minute of maintenance for every hour of flight.

Vertical’s air taxi is designed to meet “airliner-level safety standards” and operate with zero emissions, Simpson said.