Joby Aviation is to deploy flying taxis in Dubai by the end of 2025.
- An agreement between 3 parties, Joby Aviation, Skyports and Dubai’s RTA was made to develop and deploy flying taxis in Dubai.
- The service will have 4 specific key locations for takeoff and drop off which are Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, Dubai International Airport and Dubai Marina.
- The trio plans to start the test phase before the end of 2025 and expand further into the UAE on a later date.
Joby Aviation, a company that develops commercial electric aircraft services signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transportation Authority to launch their air taxi services in the emirates in collaboration with Skyports.
- Skyports will construct, improve, own and operate vertiports to provide take-off and landing platforms at specific locations in the Emirate of Dubai.
- Joby Aviation will manufacture and operate air taxis in the emirate.
- Dubai’s Road and Transportation Authority will oversee and regulate the process.
With this agreement, Dubai will become the first location that allows commercial electric flying taxis, with Skyports having exclusive rights to build and operate Vertiports in Dubai.
The agreement laid plans for four vertiports located by Dubai International Airport, Dubai Downtown, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, with an estimated flight time of 10 minutes between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah compared to 45-50 minutes by car.
Studies have been conducted at four locations and the architectural design for the first phase of development has begun. The Vertiport certification and approval process has commenced with several critical government stakeholders including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), and others.
Duncan Walker, founder and CEO of Skyports said: “Today marks a significant step towards the launch of commercial air taxi services in Dubai. The industry has never been closer to making it a reality.”
“This agreement brings together the key enablers of advanced air mobility: strong, innovative local leadership; a world-leading aircraft partner; and critical ground infrastructure integrated with the Emirate’s existing transportation networks.” He added.
