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

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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, including plans for initial vertiport locations.
This exclusive deal grants Joby sole operating rights within the Dubai region, potentially hindering competitors like Archer Aviation and Eve Air Mobility, who are also planning significant eVTOL expansions across the broader UAE.
Dubai is actively positioning itself as a major hub for advanced air mobility, with government support, financial assistance, and infrastructure development aimed at revolutionizing urban transport and significantly reducing travel times.

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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.