Joby Secures Exclusive Air Taxi Rights in Dubai for Six Years, Beginning 2025
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with electric aircraft company Joby Aviation to introduce air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026, with initial operations slated to commence as soon as 2025 Joby Aviation to introduce air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026, with initial operations slated to commence as soon as 2025.
The agreement, formalized at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, grants Joby exclusive rights to operate a fleet of air taxis in Dubai for six years, aiming to position the city as a global leader in swift, environmentally friendly, and noise-conscious air travel.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, commented: “It is an honor to partner with the government of Dubai to demonstrate the value of sustainable air travel to the world. 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”.
Joby has also inked an agreement with Skyports for the design, construction, and management of four initial vertiport sites strategically located across Dubai, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown.
The innovative aircraft, unveiled for the first time in the region at the World Governments Summit, can accommodate a pilot and four passengers, achieving speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This breakthrough technology promises a projected travel time of just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, significantly reducing travel time compared to conventional car journeys.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, emphasized, “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. This service will also enhance seamless multimodal transportation, improving citywide connectivity and ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers”.
Looking ahead, RTA, Joby, and Skyports are committed to integrating the air taxi service into Dubai's broader public transportation network. Joby has established a local operating entity to support its operations in Dubai, with plans to hire predominantly from the local workforce. The company also expressed openness to localizing other global business activities in Dubai and the surrounding region.
Source: Nour Nasir / techmgzn.com
