Joby’s Electric Air Taxi Lands—and Lifts Off

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer completes multiple piloted transition flights in the UAE.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 04:53 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

Joby’s S4, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, completed a series of test flights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation delivered its first S4 electric air taxi to the UAE, a key step towards launching exclusive passenger service in Dubai by 2026, with plans for associated vertiports and charging infrastructure.
The S4 eVTOL, designed for quiet, zero-emission urban travel, has successfully completed piloted transition flights and extensive hot weather trials, promising significantly reduced travel times for short-hop trips.
This Middle East deployment serves as a strategic "dress rehearsal" for Joby's future global operations, including planned services in the U.S. (expected after the UAE launch) and other international markets.

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Before arriving in the U.S., electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis are expected to debut in the Middle East. This week, they moved one step closer.

Joby Aviation, developer of the piloted, four-passenger S4, on Monday announced it delivered its first air taxi to the United Arab Emirates. Joby has a six-year agreement with the Emirate of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) that it says gives it exclusive rights to operate an air taxi service in the area.