Joby Aviation Signs Exclusive 6-Year Deal for Electric Air Taxi Service in Dubai

Other electric air taxi manufacturers, including Joby competitor Archer Aviation, had previously announced operational agreements to fly in the region in 2026.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 04:35 PM ET

Verified

Joby’s electric air taxi sits on display at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation has secured an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch eVTOL air taxi operations by early 2026, targeting initial service in 2025.
This exclusive deal grants Joby sole operating rights within Dubai, potentially impacting competitors like Archer Aviation and Eve Air Mobility, who also plan UAE expansion but outside the city's exclusive market.
Dubai is actively investing in and developing the necessary infrastructure, partnering with Skyports for initial vertiport sites, to integrate eVTOLs into its public transport network and significantly reduce travel times.
The move firmly establishes the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a key market and hub for advanced air mobility, attracting major eVTOL manufacturers and operators.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Are the United Arab Emirates becoming a hotbed for novel aircraft such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis?

Joby Aviation, the manufacturer of a five-seat eVTOL design, has signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the government entity that regulates the city’s public transport, to launch air taxi operations in the UAE by early 2026, targeting initial service in 2025. The agreement gives Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, starting from the launch of commercial operations.