Are air taxis revolutionary or redundant for urban travel in Singapore?

EVTOL technology could reduce commuting times.

Electric air taxis could transform Singapore’s urban travel and cross-border transportation, making commutes more efficient and flexible. However, given Singapore’s compact size and efficient land transport, some experts question the necessity of these aircraft within the city-state.

“With EVTOL aircraft, we can basically cut a one-hour commute to five minutes,” said Prof. James Wang, Director of the EVTOL Research and Innovation Centre at NTU Singapore. According to Wang, EVTOLs, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, could offer a high-speed solution for cross-border trips, such as a five-minute hop to Johor, Malaysia, or, with improved battery capacity, future flights to Kuala Lumpur.

In terms of domestic utility, Wang highlights potential benefits in speeding up long commutes across Singapore, though he notes the city’s efficient public transport system may lessen the demand for air taxis. “The question is, do we really need an air taxi to travel around the country, when Singapore, our transportation is so efficient?” Wang asked.

For Jochen Wirtz, Professor of Marketing and Vice Dean of MBA Programs at NUS Business School, air taxis represent an exciting addition to Singapore’s transport network. “Compared to cars, it is a lot faster, and compared to helicopters, it is not as noisy, it is cheaper and more easily available,” Wirtz said, noting that quieter, battery-driven air taxis would fit well within urban landscapes due to their reduced noise impact.

Experts agree that implementing this new technology in Singapore will require infrastructure modifications. Wang explained that EVTOL aircraft could take off from compact spaces like rooftops or converted parking lots, reducing the need for large airport-style runways. He suggested that strategically located vertiports could enable seamless travel within the island and even to nearby international destinations without the hassle of traditional airport procedures.

Wirtz echoed this perspective, noting that Singapore already has some helipads in place that could be adapted for air taxi landings. Wirtz also suggested that air taxi facilities could be integrated into existing urban infrastructure, such as the rooftops of hotels and hospitals, providing accessible and flexible takeoff points.

“They must feel safe riding this,” said Wang, emphasising that safety, noise reduction, and affordability are pivotal factors for public acceptance. Wang estimated that initial costs for air taxi rides would fall between $6 and $8 per passenger per mile, with ambitions to reduce fares to match taxi prices by 2035.

“When we can drive the price down...to three to four dollars per passenger per mile, like a taxi, then I think people will start riding them,” he added.

While some demand may come from tourists and high-net-worth individuals, Wirtz observed that the broad market appeal of air taxis could be limited in Singapore due to lower congestion levels than other cities.

“For cities that have heavy traffic congestion...the value proposition of these cheaper, more flexible AMS is welcome and probably will see a higher demand simply for the congestion reason, than we will see in Singapore,” he remarked.