There are various apprehensions being voiced by critics about the introduction of air taxis in the city, one of them being the potential increase in noise levels. However, this is a concern that Mr. Hoke, the company boss, does not agree with. He argues that the initial noise created during take-off of these air taxis is actually less than that of a truck passing by. Furthermore, he mentions that once these taxis reach a certain altitude, the noise is virtually inaudible. He also underlines that the high-frequency hum of a common drone is not a fair comparison to the lower frequency noise generated by an air taxi.
Mr. Hoke also addresses the concern of visual pollution, or ‘optical pollution’, as it has been termed. He asserts that in the clear white and blue skies of Paris, these air taxis, which are similar in size to small cars, are barely noticeable. Thus, he challenges the argument that these taxis would visually pollute the urban skyline.
Energy usage considerations
Another point brought up by the French environmental agency is the high energy consumption of these air taxis. According to their estimations, the energy usage of an air taxi is around triple of an electric car’s consumption. Mr. Hoke acknowledges this issue, but emphasizes that Volocopter, the company he heads, is actively working on minimizing its environmental impact. They are planning, for instance, to produce battery cells in a factory powered by hydrogen in the future.
Regarding the cost, which currently stands at ten to fifteen euros per kilometer, Mr. Hoke expects a significant drop when these air taxis begin mass production. He also ensures the safety of passengers, stating that the aviation industry’s stringent regulations make it the safest mode of transport today.
Despite these assurances, the question of public acceptance of these new additions to the urban skyline remains. During the Olympic Games, these air taxis will operate on up to five routes, with a takeoff and landing site presently being constructed on a floating platform on the Seine near the Austerlitz train station.
