BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission wants to pave the way for air cabs in the EU. A package of measures adopted on Wednesday is intended to lay the foundations for the use of modern aircraft, the authority announced in Brussels. The aim is to create uniform regulations within the EU states. Among other things, this should ensure safe air traffic. The initiative sets new standards for urban transportation in the 21st century, explained EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean.

The package targets two areas: manned aircraft that can take off and land vertically (VTOLs) and the use of unmanned drones. VTOLs (Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft) or air cabs with a pilot are designed for short contract flights. The measures that have now been adopted include new EU-wide standards for certification requirements and procedures for manned and unmanned VTOLs. Uniform requirements for pilot licenses for air cabs are also planned./jel/DP/stw