Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Joby Seeks Middle East’s First Air Taxi Operator Certification

The manufacturer earlier this year announced plans to fly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as soon as 2026.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 12:43 PM ET

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Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt (left) presents a letter of intent to Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the United Arab Emirates’ aviation regulator, at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Summit in Montreal. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation has formally begun the application process with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to become the Middle East’s first certified electric air taxi operator.
This move builds on earlier agreements to launch air taxi services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by 2026, with similar expansion plans also announced for Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East is becoming a key region for eVTOL companies due to extensive government support, though Joby will face competition from rivals such as Archer Aviation.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation is looking to become the Middle East’s first certified air taxi operator.

This week during the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Summit in Montreal, Joby took the first step in securing an air operator certificate from the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)—a requirement to operate commercial air transport in the country.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.