The First “Flying Uber” Takes Off From Tampa International Airport

We're getting closer to The Jetsons. FaceTime lets us do video calls and now we are getting closer those flying cars George Jetson took to work everyday. Last week, the first ever electric vertical takeoff and landing happened at Tampa International Airport. Are you ready to ride an "air taxi?"

They're not quite ready for you yet but they probably will be in a few years. A German company developed the "Volocopter." It did an 8 minute flight last week and it's completely electric. So it's almost like a Tesla in the sky. Some call them "flying Ubers." They think some of these could be ready to go by the end of next year.

They say the aircraft will someday be good for a regional short to medium range flights. One possible route could be from Tampa International to other smaller regional airports like St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. It'll let you skip that traffic over the Howard Frankland. I would love to ride one over to The Florida Strawberry Festival without battling the horrible afternoon festival traffic on I-4.

Tampa was the first major commercial airport to host an urban air mobility flight test like this. And it was the very first test in Florida. These copters take off and land much like a helicopter does... up and down. Major Jane Castor said "This will be a very big part of transforming Tampa's tomorrow."

What do you think will come of this? How much money would you spend for a ride? Think it'll help bring more tourism to Tampa Bay? Leave your thoughts on my Facebook or tweet @GenoRadio.

Geno's first flight on Breeze Airways out of Tampa
Cheap direct flights from Tampa to smaller airports like the one in my hometown of Portland, Maine? Had to give Breeze a try.