A prototype of the air taxi in Dubai. JOBY AVIATION

Residents and tourists may see commercial flying taxis in Dubai as early as next year, the chief executive of Joby Aviation Inc. announced. “We’re targeting the commercial launch in Dubai,” CEO JoeBen Bevirt said on Wednesday (August 8 in UAE). “Expect us to announce the groundbreaking on the first infrastructure there later this year, as well as first flights in the first half of next year, and commercialization towards the back half of the year.” The electric aviation startup based in California is one of several manufacturers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to fly customers on short commuter journeys. Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and will be operated by the Company, with a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah expected to take just 10 minutes compared with 45 minutes by car. In February, Joby Aviation announced that it was targeting initial operations as early as 2025 after it signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the emirate by early 2026. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, provides Joby with the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years. The agreement secures a variety of support from the RTA, including financial mechanisms, for entry and maturing of service operations in Dubai. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, commented on the agreement, saying, “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.”

Where will the air taxis be located in Dubai?

Joby has signed an agreement with Skyports, which will design, build and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai. RTA, Skyports and Joby have worked together to identify Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown as the launch locations for Dubai’s air taxi service. ICA/Expat Media
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