Joby Outlines Dubai Air Taxi Plans Ahead of FAA Certification

Company says it could begin Dubai passenger flights before obtaining agency type approval.

Jack Daleo

Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) S4 air taxi conducts testing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation successfully completed its first point-to-point eVTOL flight in Dubai and unveiled new vertiport locations, targeting a 2026 commercial launch for its S4 air taxi service in the UAE.
The UAE is being pursued as a potential first market for passenger flights of the S4, possibly before U.S. commercial operations, through a special "qualification program" with the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Joby views its Dubai operations as "sandbox testing" that can provide valuable data and potentially accelerate its global certification efforts, including its type certification process with the FAA in the U.S.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi developer Joby Aviation on Monday announced the completion of its first point-to-point flight in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which according to the company could be the first location where its flagship S4 flies with passengers.

Joby flew the S4 earlier this month between its test facility in Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) in Dubai—a 17-minute sortie during which it waded into controlled airspace and pilots communicated with air traffic control (ATC). This week, it will be the only eVTOL to fly at the Dubai Airshow, the company said.