Joby Applies to Become First UAE Electric Air Taxi Operator

Joby Aviation has submitted a Letter of Intent to commence AOC certification of its eVTOL air taxi aircraft in the United Arab Emirates.

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) has taken a crucial step towards becoming a certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates. The company has submitted a Letter of Intent to commence an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) certification process in the UAE.

Joby Aviation is a developer of electric air taxis for commercial passenger service. Joby announced the news during the International Civil Aviation Organization’s first Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, Canada.

AOC Application Process Commenced

JoeBen Bevirt, Joby Aviation’s founder and CEO, met with His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Bevirt presented Joby’s Letter of Intent to begin the Air Operator Certificate application process.

Earlier this year, Joby signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in Dubai. This move positions the city as a frontrunner in the next generation of rapid, eco-friendly air mobility.

Joby expanded its UAE partnership in April 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several Abu Dhabi departments. This agreement paves the way for Joby to establish and grow air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Bevirt expressed excitement about the growing support for clean flight across the UAE. He highlighted Joby’s collaboration with various partners, including the GCAA, to establish one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks.

The Move Towards eVTOL Operations

H.E Saif Al Suwaidi emphasized the significance of Joby’s application. He noted that it marks a major step in the UAE’s journey to become a global leader in eVTOL operations. He expressed enthusiasm about working with Joby to ensure high safety and efficiency standards.

The Air Operator Certificate, issued by the GCAA, is essential for commercial air transport in the UAE. The company will undergo a five-stage application process. This involves developing operating manuals, facility inspections, and GCAA observation of training and operations.

Joby has already completed a similar process in the U.S., receiving its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate in May 2022. The company has been operating traditional aircraft in the U.S. for over two years, refining its air taxi operations using its proprietary ElevateOS software system.

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. A journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, typically a 45-minute car ride, is expected to take just 10 minutes with Joby’s air taxi.