Joby Aviation, a California-based electric aircraft maker, has signed initial agreements with several government entities in Abu Dhabi to introduce air taxi services in the emirate.
This development aims to revolutionize transportation by offering faster travel times and promoting sustainable regional mobility.
The agreements were signed with Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Department of Economic Development (DED), and Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), paving the way for Joby Aviation to establish and expand air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi and potentially across the UAE, including routes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Joby Aviation Set to Launch Flying Taxis in Abu Dhabi
Joby Aviation's initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to lead advancements in advanced mobility solutions, leveraging the emirate's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.
The company's CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, highlighting the momentum behind clean flight adoption in the UAE.
"We're looking forward to delivering a fantastic experience for our future customers in Abu Dhabi and we're excited to be unlocking the potential for zero-emissions flight between Abu Dhabi and Dubai," Bevirt said in a press release statement.
"We're grateful for the support and collaboration of our governmental partners and the entire ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and we remain deeply impressed by their commitment to building out a world-class aviation ecosystem in the Emirate."
Revolutionizing Intra-City Travel
Joby Aviation's electric aircraft, currently on display at the DRIFTx event in Yas Marina, is made to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (321 km/h) with zero operating emissions and minimal noise impact.
This technology promises to revolutionize intra-city travel, significantly reducing travel times compared to traditional ground transportation methods.
The companies and entities involved in this ambitious endeavor envision flying between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes instead of a two-hour drive during rush hour.
Joby Aviation has been collaborating closely with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to establish regulatory frameworks for air taxi operations.
These efforts prioritize safety and compliance with aviation standards, leveraging Joby's expertise and ongoing partnerships with regulatory bodies to ensure the seamless integration of air taxi services into the UAE's aviation ecosystem.
Notably, Joby Aviation achieved significant milestones in recent years, including the first electric air taxi flight in New York City in November 2023 and the production launch at its manufacturing facility in California.
The company has garnered support from various investors, including Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.
"Abu Dhabi aims to spearhead the advancement and implementation of the next era of advanced mobility solutions. Through the Emirate's SAVI cluster and this visionary partnership with Joby, we are not only laying the foundation for cutting-edge air taxi services but also shaping the future of transportation; igniting a journey where the sky is no longer the limit, but the beginning of endless possibilities," Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, said in a statement.
