Joby Aviation, a pioneer in the development of all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, has announced an agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in Dubai, aiming for a launch as early as 2025. This ambitious initiative was unveiled at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, witnessing the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscoring a significant leap towards futuristic urban air mobility.
Under the definitive agreement, Joby is granted the exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for a span of six years, marking a pivotal step for the Emirate to lead in sustainable, fast, and silent urban air mobility. The partnership is bolstered by substantial support from the RTA, including financial incentives, to facilitate the establishment and growth of Joby’s operations within the city.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the comprehensive strategy encompassing operational readiness, infrastructure development through key collaborations, and Joby’s advanced aircraft capable of transforming urban air travel. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, emphasized the air taxi service as a stride towards integrating cutting-edge transportation technologies to enhance the mobility and connectivity across Dubai, enriching the travel experience for both residents and visitors.
Additionally, Joby has inked a deal with Skyports, who will spearhead the design, construction, and operation of the first four vertiport sites in strategic locations across Dubai, including Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Palm Jumeirah. These initial launch sites promise to drastically reduce travel times, with a projected 10-minute flight from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, a journey that typically takes 45 minutes by car.
The collaboration extends to meticulous planning around customer service, stakeholder engagement, and seamless integration into Dubai’s existing public transport network. Joby’s establishment of a local operating entity and recruitment plans underline the company’s commitment to contributing to the local economy and the broader vision of positioning Dubai as a hub for technological innovation and sustainable transportation.
This announcement builds upon Joby’s recent milestones, including the first electric air taxi flight in New York City and the initiation of production at its manufacturing facility in California. With over $2 billion raised to date and backing from major investors such as Toyota and Delta Air Lines, Joby Aviation is steering towards revolutionizing the global paradigm of urban transit, starting with Dubai’s skyline.
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