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 has delivered its first S4 air taxi to the UAE, beginning test flights and progressing towards commercial operations in Dubai by 2026 under an exclusive agreement.
The S4 eVTOL has successfully completed piloted transition flights and is designed for efficient, quiet, zero-emission urban travel, with systems engineered and tested for extreme heat.
The Middle East serves as a crucial early market and "dress rehearsal" for Joby's future U.S. operations (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) and ongoing global certification efforts for its air taxi service.

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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.