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 United Arab Emirates, initiating its exclusive six-year agreement to operate an air taxi service in Dubai with passenger flights targeted for 2026.
The S4 is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for efficient, quiet, and zero-emission urban transport, significantly reducing travel times for short-hop trips like airport transfers.
Joby has completed critical test flights and is actively developing vertiport infrastructure while pursuing regulatory certifications in the UAE, with the Middle East launch serving as a dress rehearsal for future U.S. and international operations.

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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.