A British drone maker plans to launch air taxis in 2026 after raising a whopping $110 million.
Skyports has already flown electrically Vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Airplane on delivery and monitoring attempts. The new funding brings commercial air taxis closer to the services they offer.
The first flights are scheduled to take off from the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, Skyports has signed a contract with Dubai authorities to build four vertiports ahead of the launch of air taxi services in 2026.
Skyports then wants to bring air taxis to other markets. The company is currently developing the UK's first vertiport test site in Oxfordshire and is working with port authorities in the US on a middle-mile drone project.
Skyports can now add a new cash injection to the plans.
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Commercialization of air taxis
An artist's impression of the interior of a vertiport in Dubai. Photo credit: Skyports
The $110 million financing comes in the form of an equity investment from ACS Group, a Spanish infrastructure and construction company. Groupe ADP, a Paris-based airport operator, added further capital to the Series C round.
Duncan Walker, the CEO and co-founder of Skyports, said his company is now “in a market-leading position.” He promised to invest the money in new aviation services.
“With ACS’ support, we are in the best possible position to advance commercial air taxi and electric drone services around the world,” Walker said in a statement.
These services are attracting growing interest. By combining electric motors and vertical flight eVTOLs could reduce CO2 emissions, travel in small spaces and eliminate the need for runways.
Still, not everyone is a fan. Critics claim they are inconvenient and poor value for money. Skyports will hope to prove them wrong in 2026.
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