Joby set to soar Dubai skyline; Secures six-year exclusive deal to operate air taxis in Dubai
Joby Aviation Inc. (Joby), a California-based developer of all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service has signed a definitive agreement with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxis in the Emirate by early 2026.
The latest agreement gives Joby the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years. Additionally, it secures a variety of support from the RTA, including financial mechanisms, for the entry and maturing of service operations in Dubai.
"It is an honor to partner with the government of Dubai to demonstrate the value of sustainable air travel to the world," said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
"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's aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at a speed of up to 200 miles per hour, positively reducing the commute time to 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah compared with a 45-minute journey by car.
"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," said HH Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA.
"This service will also enhance seamless multimodal transportation, improving citywide connectivity, and ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers," he added.
In addition to the definitive agreement, Joby signed another agreement with Skyports, an infrastructure provider for advanced air mobility to design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai.
RTA, Skyports, and Joby have worked together to identify Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown as the launch locations for Dubai's air taxi service.
Joby has set a target to begin initial operations of air taxis as early as next year.
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