The Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) announced last week, it expects to have air taxis capable of carrying up to four passengers operating in the country by 2027, reports irishexaminer.com.

The FMCI is among a group of global experts to take part in a Dublin Conference next month (April 15th-18th) on the future of transport and mobility in Europe (TRA2024). “The organisation is working on developing a new space for smarter, safer, more sustainable transport for people and goods,” says the article. 

Based in the Shannon Free Zone, it provides facilities for researchers, software developers and companies to test their innovations. One of FMCI’s top projects is the development of Ireland’s first electric passenger and cargo aircraft research facility. 

Russell Vickers, CEO of FMCI, remarked, “This will enable the launch of Ireland’s first electric air taxi service and regular BVLOS drone operations. We’re on track to enable passenger eVTOL services in Ireland during 2027.”

He continued, “We expect the initial flights will be centred around our test area here in Shannon, County Clare, with aircraft capable of carrying up to four people at a time.” Adding, “It’s an incredibly exciting, collaborative effort involving ourselves, Shannon Airport Group and other key partners.”

The FMCI includes 4km of public road network within the Shannon Industrial Estate that includes CCTV cameras, sensors and traffic lights to act as a testbed for autonomous vehicles and micro-mobility devices. FMCI is also part of a consortium with plans to develop a passenger and cargo vertiport using unmanned aircraft.

The irishexaminer.com writes, “The FMCI facilitates the test and validation of mobility innovations on the road and in the air allowing researchers and companies both in Ireland and internationally to trial, test and innovate solutions in a laboratory with real-life conditions.”

Vickers continued, “Ireland has never been in a position to compete for the kind of heavy industry involved in fossil fuel powered transport. However, as renewable and sustainable factors become more important, we know we have the technological talent to put ourselves at the forefront of innovation for an industry that’s set to evolve for many years to come”.

Amongst the daily themes to be discussed at the Dublin TRA2024 Conference, which is supported by both the EU Commission and Irish Government, include safe and inclusive transport; sustainable mobility of people and goods; and efficient and resilient infrastructure and collaborative digitalisation. 

Dr Bob Flynn who works alongside the FMCI Team, commented, “Russell and his organisation are an outstanding example of the innovative minds creating the future of transport, right here in Ireland, and theirs is the kind of work we are excited to platform at the Conference. Their ambition, talent and achievements to date will captivate our international delegates and spark important discussions.”

For more information

https://futuremobilityireland.ie/

https://traconference.eu

News Source: www.irishexaminer.com