Government puts flying taxis centre‑stage in £50m push to accelerate advanced air mobility

The UK’s ambitions for flying taxis have been given a major boost, with ministers announcing nearly £50 million to speed up the rollout of advanced air mobility and tighten controls on illegal drone use.

The package, unveiled on 5 May, includes £26 million specifically to accelerate the introduction of electric flying taxis, supporting the regulatory groundwork needed to get commercial services operating in UK skies from 2028. Officials say the investment will help cut red tape, modernise approvals processes and create a clearer pathway for companies developing air‑taxi technology.

A further £20.5 million will fund the UK’s first drone “numberplate” identification system, designed to help police track drones in real time and take action against illegal or unsafe operators. Ministers say the system will strengthen public confidence as drones and air taxis become more common in urban areas.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said the government was “backing the next generation of British aviation innovators”, adding that flying taxis and other advanced air mobility services could support jobs, reduce emissions and contribute to an industry estimated to be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority, the funding will support the regulatory, digital and security infrastructure needed for routine use of drones and air taxis. This includes speeding up approvals for emergency response operations, medical logistics and infrastructure inspections, while also preparing the framework for commercial air‑taxi routes.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis described the new identification system as “a numberplate for the skies”, giving law enforcement the tools to identify and act against rogue drone users.

Industry leaders welcomed the announcement, saying the combination of targeted investment and regulatory reform is essential to unlocking real‑world flying‑taxi operations. Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson said the UK was taking “a further step towards positioning itself at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector”, while Windracers founder Stephen Wright said autonomous aviation could strengthen supply chains and support critical services.

The investment forms part of the government’s wider strategy to maintain the UK’s position as an aviation leader, alongside commitments to airspace modernisation, green aircraft development and sustainable aviation fuel.