Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a company specializing in all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, has officially announced a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026, with initial operations targeted for as early as 2025. The agreement, inked at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, signifies Joby’s exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, positioning the city as a global leader in providing rapid, clean, and quiet air travel facilitated by Joby’s groundbreaking technology. The partnership with RTA encompasses various forms of support, including financial assistance, to facilitate the establishment and growth of service operations in Dubai.
Joe Ben Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the Dubai government, emphasizing the significance of sustainable air travel. Bevirt stated that the agreement fulfills all the requirements for launching a successful air taxi service, including a clear operational path, strategic infrastructure supported by committed partners, and an aircraft capable of delivering impactful journeys.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, highlighted the air taxi service as a part of RTA’s endeavor to embrace future transportation technologies, offering an innovative and efficient mobility solution for Dubai’s residents and visitors. The service is anticipated to provide swift, safe, and convenient travel to key city destinations, enhancing overall connectivity and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Additionally, Joby has agreed with Skyports, responsible for designing, constructing, and operating four initial vertiport sites across Dubai. These sites, located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, have been identified as launch locations for Dubai’s air taxi service. Joby’s aircraft, capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, will operate the service, significantly reducing travel time compared to conventional transportation methods.
Joby, in collaboration with RTA and Skyports, has closely coordinated with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE to establish a regulatory framework that aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of Dubai as a global leader in air taxi implementation. The framework, based on FAA standards supplemented by company testing and analysis, ensures a high level of safety and regulatory oversight for early operations.
Moving forward, Joby, RTA, and Skyports will collaborate on various aspects, including customer journey design, stakeholder engagement, and integration of Joby’s service into Dubai’s public transport network. Joby has established a local operating entity to support its operations in Dubai and plans to recruit locally for the majority of its operational team. The company also intends to explore opportunities for localization of global business activities in Dubai and the wider region.
Furthermore, Joby recently announced its participation in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster initiated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), signaling its commitment to expanding operations across the UAE.
With notable achievements such as being the first electric air taxi to fly in New York City in November 2023, Joby continues to advance its mission of revolutionizing urban air mobility. The company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has raised significant funding from prominent investors and partners, including Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.
