Joby Aviation, Inc. (listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: JOBY), a company specializing in the development of fully electric aircraft for commercial passenger transport, announced today the signing of a final agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to launch air taxi services in the emirate by early 2026, with Joby intending to commence initial operations as early as 2025.
The agreement, signed during the Dubai World Government Summit in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, grants Joby the exclusive right to operate air taxi services in Dubai for a period of six years. This initiative aims to establish Dubai as a leading global city in providing fast, clean, and quiet air travel services supported by Joby’s revolutionary technology.
The agreement includes a variety of support from the RTA, including financial mechanisms, to enter and develop operations in Dubai.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, stated: “It is a great honor for us to collaborate with the government of Dubai to demonstrate the value of sustainable air mobility to the world.”
“The historic agreement today encompasses all three prerequisites required for the successful launch of air taxi service – a final operational path, robust infrastructure supported by specialized partners, and an aircraft with capabilities and designs to provide meaningful flights.”
“We look forward to providing an amazing experience for residents and visitors in Dubai in early 2025, and we are pleased to lay the groundwork for expanding our services across the UAE.”
On his part, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, commented on the agreement: “Air taxi service is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transport technologies and provide a new and efficient travel option for Dubai’s residents and visitors, allowing fast, safe, and convenient travel to the city’s main landmarks.
This service will also enhance multimodal seamless transportation, improve city connectivity, and ensure a smooth passenger travel experience.”
In addition, Joby has signed an agreement with Skyports, which will design, build, and operate four helipads across Dubai. The selected launch locations for the air taxi service include Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.
Joby’s aircraft, showcased for the first time at the World Government Summit, is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, with the company responsible for its operation.
The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take only 10 minutes by air compared to approximately 45 minutes by car.
Joby, the RTA, and Skyports are now addressing a wide range of topics, from designing the customer journey to engaging stakeholders and integrating Joby’s service into Dubai’s broader public transport network. Joby has established a local operational entity and intends to employ individuals from within the country for the majority of its operational team as it seeks to support its development in Dubai.
The company will also explore localizing other global business activities in Dubai and throughout the region. Joby recently announced its participation in the Smart Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) as part of its plans to explore broader operations across the UAE.
In November 2023, Joby’s aircraft became the first electric air taxi to fly in New York City, building on recent successes including the launch of production at the company’s first manufacturing facility in California in June 2023 and the delivery of the first-ever electric air taxi to the US Department of Defense in September 2023.
Joby is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has raised over $2 billion in funding to date, including investments from Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.
Media files, including photos and videos of Joby’s aircraft, animations of expected air taxi routes in Dubai, and designs for Dubai’s aerial landing sites, are available here.
