Joby Aviation to Launch Air Taxi Service in the UAE as Early as 2025

Joby Aviation, Inc., a US company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, has signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the UAE by early 2026. Joby is targeting initial operations as early as 2025.

The agreement, signed at the World Government Summit in Dubai, provides Joby with the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.

Joby additionally signed an agreement with Skyports, who will 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’s aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.

The service will be operated by Joby, with a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah expected to take just 10 minutes compared with 45 minutes by car. 

RTA, Joby and Skyports will now work on a wide range of topics, from customer journey design to stakeholder engagement and the integration of Joby’s service into the wider public transport network in Dubai. 

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, says: “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.”

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, adds: “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.”

In November 2023, Joby’s aircraft became the first electric air taxi to fly in New York City,