DUBAI, UAE - 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, Jack Daleo wries for Flying. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
3 July 2025 - “The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”
Joby Aviation plans to launch its air taxi service in several key areas of Dubai, including Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown. Vertiport construction is already underway to support operations. A flight from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take about 12 minutes, which is typically a 45-minute drive. The electric aircraft is built to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (around 320 km/h), with low noise and no direct emissions. The service is aimed at providing a quicker and quieter alternative for short-distance travel within the city.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
