Imagine hopping into a sleek, near-silent electric aircraft and whisking across Dubai’s iconic skyline in just minutes. This futuristic vision is about to become reality as the city gears up to launch the world’s first commercial air taxi service by early 2026, with ambitious plans for initial operations as early as 2025.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the visionary Road and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, and Skyports, a leading infrastructure developer for advanced air mobility (AAM). The agreement grants Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, solidifying the city’s position as a global innovation hub and champion of sustainable transportation solutions.
Partnership for Sustainable Urban Mobility
“It is an honor to partner with the government of Dubai to demonstrate the value of sustainable air travel to the world,”
declared JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. This partnership goes beyond mere transportation; it’s a testament to Dubai’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing the future of mobility.
Joby’s revolutionary eVTOL aircraft promises to transform daily commutes within Dubai. Imagine zipping from Dubai International Airport to the luxurious Palm Jumeirah in 10 minutes, compared to the current 45-minute car journey. With a capacity for a pilot and four passengers and cruising speeds of up to 200 mph (322 kph), these near-silent electric marvels offer a fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ground transportation.
“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,”
commented His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA. This seamless integration with Dubai’s existing transportation network ensures a smooth and connected travel experience, eliminating the hassle of switching between different modes of transport.
To ensure a seamless launch and operation, Joby has partnered with Skyports, who will design, build, and operate four vertiport hubs strategically located across Dubai. These vertiports will be conveniently situated at key locations like Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, ensuring easy access for residents and visitors alike.
Local Integration and Talent Development Furthermore, Joby’s commitment to local partnerships extends beyond infrastructure. The company has established a dedicated local operating entity and plans to recruit most of its operational team from within Dubai. This fosters local talent development and ensures a deep understanding of the city’s unique needs and regulations.
This groundbreaking initiative builds upon Joby’s impressive track record, including becoming the first company to fly an electric air taxi in New York City, establishing their production facility in California, and even delivering an eVTOL aircraft to the U.S. Department of Defense. With over $2 billion in funding from leading investors like Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber, Joby is well-positioned to revolutionize urban transportation, starting with Dubai’s ambitious vision.
