Dubai Chooses Joby Aviation for Exclusive Air Taxi Operations, Aiming for 2026 Rollout

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Joby Aviation partners with Dubai’s RTA for exclusive air taxi operations in UAE by 2026, eyeing early service launch in 2025.

Joby Aviation, a producer of a five-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has finalized a deal with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the entity overseeing public transportation in Dubai, to initiate air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates by 2026, aiming for a soft launch in 2025. This partnership grants Joby the sole rights to conduct air taxi operations in Dubai for a period of six years commencing with the start of commercial flights.

This development comes on the heels of an announcement from Archer Aviation, a competitor, regarding its own plans to expand into the UAE in 2026 through a collaboration with Falcon Aviation, a local service provider. Falcon Aviation had previously disclosed its purchase of 35 eVTOL aircraft from Embraer’s Eve Air Mobility and its intention to offer eVTOL tourism flights in Dubai.

Moreover, Archer has revealed its intention to sell 100 aircraft to Air Chateau, a Dubai-based service provider, for $500 million, aiming to cover both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Although Archer, Eve, and other companies will continue to operate air taxis within the UAE, Joby has been selected as the exclusive air taxi operator for Dubai, as per its statement.

Archer expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Joby to introduce electric air taxis to the UAE by 2026, highlighting partnerships with Mubadala, support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and collaborations with Falcon Aviation, Air Chateau, and others.

The contract signing occurred in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the World Governments Summit, securing Joby financial and operational support from the RTA for its launch and growth in Dubai.

Joby also established a partnership with Skyports to construct and manage four vertiport sites in strategic locations across Dubai, including the Dubai International Airport and popular districts.

JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s CEO, highlighted the agreement as a significant step towards launching an efficient air taxi service, supported by strategic infrastructure and a capable aircraft.

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, set to be operated by the company itself, contrasts with competitors like Archer, which plans to have partners like United Airlines pilot their aircraft. Joby is collaborating with Delta Air Lines for services in New York and Los Angeles in 2025.

The collaboration between Joby, the RTA, and the UAE’s aviation authorities aims to establish a regulatory framework for eVTOL operations, improving Dubai’s public transportation network and offering rapid, safe, and convenient travel options across the city.

Additionally, Joby is creating a local operational team in Dubai and exploring further business localization in the region, indicating its interest in the Middle Eastern market. The company is also part of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster initiated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

Joby’s sole operational rights in Dubai, as granted by the RTA, could impact the expansion plans of Archer, Eve, and other competitors, marking a significant step in the evolution of urban air mobility in the region.

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