Flying Taxis Planned for Dallas

An electric aerial vehicle (EAV) developer and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have agreed to study vertiport development and EAV vehicle operations within the DFW Metroplex.

The partnership between DFW and Overair includes conducting a feasibility assessment for integrating passenger eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations across the North Texas region. 

Overair, which was spun out of Karem Aircraft in 2020, is the maker of the Butterfly eVTOL, which completed its full-scale propulsion testing in 2022. Overair also has partnerships with Hanwha Systems and Bristow Group.

"DFW Airport has a long history of building the groundwork today for the airport needs of the future,” said Paul Puopolo, DFW Airport executive vice president of innovation. “By exploring the future of aviation now, we will help better position the entire DFW Metroplex for the next era of innovative air mobility.”

The two parties plan to create a working group to explore the policies and infrastructure required for an integrated, sustainable eVTOL program at Dallas Fort Worth International, one of the world’s busiest and most connected airports.

The working group would also investigate “operational procedures, including approach, landing, taxiing, charging, loading and unloading passengers, takeoff, departure, and safety protocols required for such a program,” stated the joint venture announcement.

“Today’s agreement is a major step toward bringing advanced air mobility to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas,” said Overair chief commercial officer Valerie Manning. “We look forward to working closely with DFW to ensure the more than 8 million people living throughout this region, along with the millions of visitors per year, will have easy access to safe, fast, affordable and eco-friendly travel options.”

As part of the agreement, Overair would assess the demand for all-electric advanced air mobility services within the DFW Metroplex and evaluate scenarios for flights in and out of vertiport locations.

Like what you've read? For more stories like this on flying cars and emerging technologies, sign up for our free daily email newsletter to stay updated.