Flying cars or air taxis are no longer a science fiction subject, but a very real one. We are still a few years away from being able to travel by air to the great metropolises of the world.
US all-electric aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation has announced that it has signed a final agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), setting a launch date for air taxi services in the UAE.
Air taxi in Dubai
According to Joby Aviation, the parties have agreed to begin air taxi services by early 2026, with the manufacturer aiming for initial operations to begin as early as 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer won an exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for a period of six years, with the opportunity to lay the groundwork for further expansion into the UAE.
With the aim of positioning Dubai as a world leader in fast, quiet and efficient urban air travel, the RTA has granted Joby Aviation a varied support package including financial mechanisms. This should ensure the manufacturer's smooth entry and development of air taxi services in the most populous city in the UAE.
In addition to the agreement with the transport authority, Joby Aviation has also entered into a separate agreement with Skyports, which will design and build four vertiport stations in the city. Currently, Joby has selected Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown as launch locations for the new service.
eVTOL aircraft from Joby Aviation
Built for an on-demand piloted air taxi service, the Joby eVTOL aircraft is designed to fly up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) on a single charge at a top speed of 200 miles per hour (about 320 kilometers per hour ). According to the manufacturer, the potential pioneer of urban air mobility in Dubai is capable of carrying a single pilot and four passengers.
The prototype aircraft has already flown more than 30.000 miles (48.280 kilometers) and is currently undergoing a multi-year test program with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain certification for commercial passenger operations. He has already completed the first two of the five stages required for certification.
Latest update, on February 8, 2024, Joby Aviation received its Part 145 Maintenance Certificate from the FAA, laying the foundation for future maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for its fleet of eVTOL aircraft.