Joby Aviation, a company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, is setting the stage for the introduction of air taxi services in the city by early 2025. This initiative comes after the company, known for its vertical take-off and landing aircraft, secured an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to operate air taxis in the city. Services are expected to fully commence by the beginning of 2026. In collaboration with Skyports, Joby will also take on the task of designing and establishing four vertiport sites in key city locations, including Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. These sites were selected as initial launch points for the innovative air taxi service.
Presenting its aircraft at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Joby showcased a model capable of transporting a pilot along with four passengers, achieving speeds up to 322 km/h. A highlight of its efficiency is the reduction of travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 10 minutes, a trip that typically takes 45 minutes by car. In preparation for this venture, Joby has been working in tandem with the RTA and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to navigate the regulatory landscape for air taxis. The company is also focusing on local recruitment to build its operational team in Dubai, demonstrating its commitment to integrating into the UAE’s economic fabric. Joby Aviation, with a substantial backing of over $2 billion from prominent investors including Toyota and Uber, has previously marked its innovation by conducting the first electric air taxi flight in New York City. JoeBen Bevirt, the founder and CEO, envisions this expansion as a foundational step towards broader operations within the UAE.
