Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) has announced a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026.
Joby now aims to commence initial operations as early as 2025, positioning itself and the region strongly as the new urban air mobility market moves closer to commencement of commercial operations.
Dubai Air Taxi Agreement
The agreement was unveiled at the prestigious World Governments Summit in Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
The arrangement now effectively grants Joby Aviation the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.
This collaboration positions Dubai at the forefront of delivering rapid, eco-friendly, and noise-free air travel facilitated by Joby’s technology.
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Urban Mobility with Air Taxis
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the Dubai government, emphasizing the significance of sustainable air travel on a global scale.
Bevirt stated, “Today’s landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service – a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, hailed the air taxi service as a pivotal advancement in embracing future transportation technologies.
Al Tayer highlighted the service’s potential, saying: saying, “the air taxi service is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies and offers a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors, enabling fast, safe, and convenient travel to key city spots.
Infrastructure Development
In addition to the agreement with RTA, Joby has partnered with Skyports to design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai.
These sites, strategically located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, will serve as launch locations for the air taxi service, further bolstering Dubai’s reputation as a hub for innovative transportation solutions.
Aircraft Technology
Joby’s state-of-the-art aircraft, showcased for the first time at the World Governments Summit, is designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, boasting speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
With a projected travel time of just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, compared to 45 minutes by car, Joby’s air taxis will offer greater convenience for urban commuters.
To ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of its operations, Joby has worked closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE.
The regulatory framework, built upon FAA standards, incorporates rigorous testing, analysis, and ongoing oversight to uphold the highest safety standards for early operations.
The Next Steps
Moving forward, Joby, RTA, and Skyports will collaborate on various aspects, including customer journey design, stakeholder engagement, and integration of Joby’s service into Dubai’s public transport network.
To support its operations in Dubai, Joby has established a local operating entity and plans to recruit locally for the majority of its operational team.
Joby’s foray into Dubai follows a series of successful milestones, including the first electric air taxi flight in New York City and the commencement of production at the company’s manufacturing facility in California.
With strategic investments from industry giants such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford, Joby is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of urban air mobility not only in Dubai but across the UAE.
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