Air taxi flights targeting Miami’s skies by 2026

Air taxis could be cruising the skyline as soon as summer 2026, as UrbanLink is progressing with plans to launch an all-electric fleet geared to transform transportation in Miami.

A South Florida-based startup, UrbanLink is an advanced air mobility (AAM) company working to revolutionize aerial and maritime transit through cutting-edge, zero-emission solutions. It plans to start operating its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, known as eVTOLs, in Miami within two years, pending regulatory approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Miami has been striving to make air taxis a reality since the concept emerged. At an urban air mobility panel hosted by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in June 2023, industry partners were optimistic the aircraft would be certified by 2026 and become a regular mode of transportation in the following years.

“UrbanLink is committed to zero-emission, end-to-end travel within a 500-mile range by 2028, with plans to extend to a 1,000-mile reach by 2030 from our hub cities in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan,” UrbanLink Air Mobility founder and Chairman Ed Wegel, told Miami Today. “With each eVTOL aircraft and seaglider optimized for efficient, zero-emission travel, our fleet is ready to support both short and mid-range routes across South Florida and beyond, offering the capacity and flexibility needed to connect communities sustainably,” he said.

In partnership with vertiport development firms like Ferrovial Vertiports and Skyway Technologies Corp., UrbanLink says it is creating a comprehensive network of take-off and landing areas, utilizing data-driven insights to finalize the routes and specific locations.

“To support the infrastructure, we’ve initiated discussions with private equity and infrastructure funds to secure financing for vertiport construction. Additionally, we’re actively engaging with city officials across our planned operational areas, from Palm Beach to the Keys, to align on our vision and ensure a seamless integration with local communities,” Mr. Wegel continued.

The company is also building its fleet. On Oct.2, it announced a partnership with Washington-based Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric passenger aircraft, to purchase 10 ALICE vehicles. Each can carry up to nine passengers for eco-friendly commuting, with a nonstop range of 250 nautical miles.

In addition, UrbanLink in September ordered from REGENT Craft 27 all-electric seagliders, a new category of vehicle that combines the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat to deliver efficient transportation between coastal destinations, reaching speeds up to 180 mph and a distance of 180 miles on a single charge.

“UrbanLink’s all-electric fleet will include two distinct eVTOL aircraft, Eviation’s 9-passenger ALICE, REGENT Craft seagliders, and Artemis Technologies sea vessels, forming an intermodal system for seamless, zero-emission connectivity. This design enables smooth transitions within our network and with other providers, like Brightline, enhancing regional accessibility and convenience,” Mr. Wegel said.

UrbanLink is collaborating with regulatory bodies, particularly the FAA, and aligning with the agency’s newly released framework, which provides essential guidelines on pilot training, qualifications, maintenance standards and safety systems, the company said. Pending approvals from the FAA, DOT and TSA, the company says its air tax services will begin in Miami by summer 2026.

“While these regulatory processes are essential, we remain confident in our timeline and are actively working with regulatory agencies to meet this goal,” Mr. Wegel said. “Miami residents can expect to see air taxis in service by mid-2026 as we continue progressing toward a new era of sustainable, accessible urban mobility.”