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Heathrow to Canary Wharf in 8 MINUTES: Virgin Atlantic to launch a flying taxi service in the UK – with passengers whisked through the air at 200mph
If you’re a weary Londoner, the idea of an eight minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf might sound too good to be true.
But it’s set to become a reality, with the launch of a flying taxi service in Britain.
Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with Joby Aviation in a partnership that aims to offer ‘seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK’.
The futuristic electric air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, and can hit impressive speeds of up to 200mph.
This means that the journey between Heathrow and Canary Wharf – which currently takes around 80 minutes by taxi – could be slashed to just eight minutes.
‘As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,’ said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.
‘Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience.
‘We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.’

If you’re a weary Londoner, the idea of an eight minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf might sound too good to be true. But it’s set to become a reality, with the launch of a flying taxi service in Britain

Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with Joby Aviation in a partnership that aims to offer ‘seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK’
Joby’s electric air taxi features six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically.
Best of all, this means the air taxi produces a fraction of the noise of today’s helicopters, allowing it to land in quiet areas with minimal disruption.
‘From the beginning, we knew our aircraft had to fade into the background of life,’ Joby explains on its website.
‘Our expert team of engineers has dedicated years to delivering an aircraft that will be quiet enough to land in your neighborhood.’
According to Joby, the aircraft is also optimised for rapid, back-to-back flights, and will be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles.
‘Flying with us might feel more like getting into an SUV than boarding a plane,’ Joby added.
Initially, Virgin Atlantic and Joby will be offering journeys from hubs at London’s Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, with a flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds expected to take just 15 minutes.
According to Google Maps, this same journey in a car currently takes around 1 hour 4 minutes.

Joby’s electric air taxi features six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically. Best of all, this means the air taxi produces a fraction of the noise of today’s helicopters, allowing it to land in quiet areas with minimal disruption

The journey between Heathrow and Canary Wharf – which currently takes around 80 minutes by taxi – could be slashed to just eight minutes
However, over time, this network could be extended to cities and communities throughout the UK.
A ‘London Hub’ network map shows how customers will be able to hail rides from London and its airports to Birmingham, Norwich, Portsmouth, Brighton, Canterbury, Cambridge, Oxford, and Readibng.
Meanwhile, the ‘Manchester Hub’ will operate across Manchester, Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Hull.
Unfortunately, the timeline for the roll-out remains unclear, as does the pricing.
However, Joby says its expects to offer prices that are ‘comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch.’
The news comes shortly after a £235,000 flying car that can fly over traffic jams was unveiled to the wolrd.
Alef Aeronautics’ futuristic vehicle can be driven around like a normal car on the streets.
However, it is also packed with propellors in the bonnet and boot that allow it to take off at any time to skip the queue.

The ‘Manchester Hub’ will operate across Manchester, Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Hull
In February, the company successfully tested the flying car in a city environment for the first time.
Incredible footage showed the car driving forwards a few metres before taking off vertically.
It glided through the air over the car in front of it, before landing on the ground and driving off.
‘This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,’ said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef.
‘We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible.’
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Imo: Mortuary owner on the run as police declare him wanted over alleged organ harvesting
One Mr. Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, a mortuary owner in Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor-okpala LGA, Imo State, is now on the run after the police declared him wanted over allegations of organ harvesting in the facility.
Oparaugo also runs a hotel in the community.
The Imo State Police Command carried out an operation at the mortuary which led to the discovery of disjointed and unkempt corpses in the facility.
The manner in which the dead bodies were tampered with, according to the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, suggested that organ harvesting is going on in the mortuary.
In a statement made available to journalists, Okoye disclosed that the operation was personally led by the police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, acting on credible intelligence concerning the activities of the morgue.
He added that the operation was assisted by a vigilante group from the LGA, in line with ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes within the state, especially along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
The statement disclosed that decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions in the morgue.
“Following these discoveries, both the hotel and mortuary were sealed on the directive of the state government. The suspect’s residence was also searched, and crucial exhibits were recovered,” the statement explained.
Okoye further hinted that a forensic report which was documented by the pathological department of the State Specialist Hospital will be used in the ongoing investigation.
He added that the Commissioner of Police assured the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.
“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared wanted. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600.
Maximum security has also been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway. The Command assures travelers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety,” the statement added.
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Royal Family Reacts After Popular Musician, KWAM 1 Shows Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland
The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.
KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.
KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.
Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.
According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.
He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.
“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.
“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”
Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.
He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.
“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”
Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.
He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.
“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.
“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”
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U.S. Surveillance Fighter Jet Flies Over Kwara, Ekiti As American Officials Arrive In Abuja
By Peter Agba Kalu
Like I revealed to you earlier today several US Marine officers arrived Nigeria yesterday and some moved straight to several terrorism hot spots.
Today, another security expert and Sahel conflict reporter, Brant Phillip, confirmed my earlier story.
But, he went further to disclosed that earlier today U.S. reconnaissance flights were being conducted over parts of western Nigeria, reportedly originating from a U.S. military facility in Ghana as I equally revealed earlier this week
The unusual military activity in Nigeria’s airspace has raised fresh questions about the scope of a growing security partnership between Abuja and Washington, following reports that a United States surveillance fighter jet was sighted flying over Kwara and Ekiti States.
The operation, according to security analysts, marks a significant turn in U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activity in the region, with potential implications for Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy.
The development comes as the first batch of Senior U.S. officials reportedly arrived in Abuja on Wednesday night, fuelling speculation about imminent announcements on bilateral security arrangements.
While the Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement, information emerging from defence experts suggests that the United States may be deepening its involvement in Nigeria’s fight against extremist groups.
It is believe that Nigerian officials are keeping quiet because even America has not made open the scope of their operations and how the level of their involvement be.
Keep a date with me for up-to-date insiders information of the Trump’s threat
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