By early 2026, Dubai is expected to offer flying air taxi services, before these are even introduced in the USA.
Bloomberg reports that eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft producer Joby Aviation Inc. will launch flying air taxi services in Dubai within two years.
This is even before such services will commence operations in the United States.
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AGREEMENT WITH UAE
Earlier this year, Joby Aviation signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026.
The agreement secures an undertaking of support from the RTA, including financial obligations, for the entry and development of the service in Dubai.
This agreement gives Joby the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.
GREENER FLYING
Flights operated by eVTOL aircraft are moving ever-closer to becoming a reality with major advances being made in recent years.
The eVTOL aircraft operates using electric power, making it capable of cleaner flights with no carbon emissions.
This technology came about thanks to advances in electric propulsion and the emerging need for new aerial vehicles for urban air mobility that enable greener and quieter flights.
The initiative will position Dubai as a world leader in offering rapid, clean and quiet air travel, thanks to cleaner flying made possible eVTOLs.
IMMINENT LAUNCH
Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt, is upbeat about the launch of these services in Dubai.
With eVTOLS having been granted several certifications by regulators, the launch of these services might be sooner than 2026.
On 9 February the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA accepted Joby’s certification plan for its eVTOL’s propulsion system. This is an important step towards receiving type certification for the aircraft.
According to AirwaysMagazine, Bevirt is hopeful that initial operations might even begin as early as 2025.
“We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”
Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt
