American carrier Delta Air Lines has partnered with air taxi startup Joby Aviation to offer its customers a transformational, sustainable home-to-airport transportation service.

The city-to-airport service by air will be offered in New York and Los Angeles initially.

The partnership for home-to-airport transportation service involves integrating Joby Aviation operated service into Delta Air Lines customer-facing channels. As part of this, Joby Aviation’s operating all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will provide rapid city-to-airport service.

Delta Air Lines customers traveling through New York and Los Angeles will be able to reserve a seat for zero emission, short-range journeys to and from city airports at the time of booking for Delta travel.

Ed Bastian — Delta Air Lines CEO, commenting on the home-to-airport transportation service, said: “Delta always looks forward and embraces opportunities to lead the future, and we’ve found in Joby a partner that shares our pioneering spirit and commitment to delivering innovative, seamless experiences that are better for our customers, their journeys, and our world.

“This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Delta to deliver a time-saving, uniquely premium home-to-airport solution for customers in key markets we’ve been investing and innovating in for many years.”

Joby Aviation has received an upfront equity investment of $60 million from Delta Air Lines and the investment is expected to be increased to up to $200 million.

Following the commercial launch, the home-to-airport transportation partnership will be mutually exclusive across the US and the UK for five years with a potential for extension.

Commenting on the home-to-airport solution, JoeBen Bevirt — Joby Aviation Founder and CEO said: “We share Delta’s unwavering commitment to delivering seamless and sustainable journeys to customers.

“Their history of innovation, along with their vast operational expertise and leadership on climate change, make them incredible partners for Joby, and it’s an honor to be working alongside them.”

  Aviation industry news, Delta, Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian, Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt, Los Angeles, New York, USA