Joby Aviation to launch revolutionary air taxi service in Dubai by 2025
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), an innovator in the field of electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in Dubai, with an ambitious target to begin operations as early as 2025. This strategic collaboration, formalized at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, not only underscores Dubai’s commitment to pioneering sustainable urban air mobility but also positions Joby Aviation at the forefront of the air taxi industry.
Under the definitive agreement signed in the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Joby Aviation is granted the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for a six-year term. This agreement not only enhances Dubai’s global standing in fast, clean, and quiet air travel but also secures Joby Aviation various supports from the RTA, including financial mechanisms, to foster the entry and maturation of service operations in the region.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed his honor in partnering with the Dubai government, emphasizing the agreement’s role in demonstrating the value of sustainable air travel globally. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, highlighted the air taxi service as a leap towards embracing future transportation technologies, aiming to provide Dubai’s residents and visitors with a novel, efficient, and seamless mobility solution.
Joby Aviation Partners with Dubai’s RTA to Launch Air Taxi Services by 2025
In collaboration with Skyports, Joby Aviation is set to design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai, pinpointing Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown as the inaugural locations for the air taxi service. Joby’s aircraft, capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, promises to significantly reduce travel time across key city locations, such as from DXB to Palm Jumeirah in just 10 minutes—a journey that currently takes 45 minutes by car.
The partnership has diligently worked with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE to establish a regulatory framework that supports the safe and efficient launch of air taxis in Dubai, drawing upon FAA standards and incorporating extensive company testing and analysis.
Joby Aviation is not only focusing on Dubai but also expanding its presence across the UAE, including participation in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
This expansion reflects Joby’s commitment to localizing operations and exploring broader operational opportunities in the region.
Joby Aviation has achieved significant milestones, including the first electric air taxi flight in New York City and the initiation of production at its manufacturing facility in California. With over $2 billion in funding and support from major investors like Toyota and Delta Air Lines, Joby Aviation is poised for substantial growth in the air taxi domain.
This partnership between Joby Aviation and Dubai’s RTA marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban air mobility, promising to revolutionize transportation in Dubai and beyond, fostering a future where air travel is not only faster and more efficient but also environmentally sustainable.