Flying taxis moved a step closer to becoming a fixture buzzing across urban skyscapes, as a closely watched effort was unveiled in Los Angeles and startups in the UK and Brazil made commercial breakthroughs.

Vertical Aerospace, based in Bristol, England, won conditional orders for as many as 1000 electric aircraft that could total $US4 billion ($5.2 billion) from buyers including American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways it said.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Embraer said it’s in talks to merge its unit developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into a public company, sending the stock surging.

And in California, startup Archer Aviation showcased its future eVTOL after nabbing a $US20 million investment from United Airlines. The carrier plans to buy as many as 200 of the aircraft, dubbed Maker.

While none are certified for commercial use, approvals for electric flying taxis could come as early as 2024, according to Europe’s top aviation regulator. Airlines are placing orders because they see the potential to develop a new business tied to local transport, as their main activity shuttling people on longer trips comes under pressure over carbon emissions and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“We believe that this is the beginning of the next big evolution of urban air mobility,” said Domhnal Slattery, chief executive officer of aircraft lessor Avolon Holdings, which is investing $US15 million in Vertical Aerospace. “This is probably as significant as the jet age.”

Flying taxis are designed to accommodate just a few passengers, akin to an electrified helicopter. But they are quieter, more agile and emission-free, utilising multiple small electric rotors.

The aircraft are designed to make short trips, with a range of 160 kilometres or less, and are expected to ferry well-heeled commuters above congestion-plagued urban spots - to the airport, for example, or a weekend getaway. Many eVTOL makers plan to eventually transition to pilotless aircraft.