Joby Aviation has unveiled details of its groundbreaking agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), marking a significant step in the realm of urban air mobility. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Joby will have exclusive rights to operate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis in Dubai for a period of six years.
The deal positions Joby as the primary operator of air taxi services in Dubai, with plans for initial eVTOL operations set to commence in 2025. Following this, the company aims to launch commercial air taxi services in the Emirate by 2026. Notably, this agreement grants Joby exclusive operational rights in Dubai, setting it apart from other eVTOL operators like Archer Aviation, which have signed similar agreements in the UAE but must now focus on alternative regions within the country.
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Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with the Dubai government, emphasizing the significance of sustainable air travel on a global scale. He highlighted the key components necessary for the successful launch of an air taxi service, including operational clarity, strategic infrastructure development, and capable aircraft technology.
As part of its expansion plans, Joby has also entered into a partnership with Skyports, tasked with designing, constructing, and operating four vertiport sites across Dubai. These locations, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown, will serve as launch points for Joby’s air taxi operations, offering residents and visitors convenient access to urban air travel.
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Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot, boasts speeds of up to 200 mph, significantly reducing travel times compared to traditional ground transportation. With routes that could take 45 minutes by car condensed into a mere 10-minute journey, Dubai residents can anticipate a seamless and efficient air travel experience. Ticket purchases, direct from mobile devices, will facilitate hassle-free boarding at designated vertiports, signaling a new era in urban mobility for the Emirate.
