Electric air taxis set to transform commuting in Dubai by 2026
This week, Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its fully electric air taxi in Dubai, marking a significant step forward in the city's plan to integrate aerial transport into its existing mobility network as early as next year.
Joby aims to reduce pressure on Dubai's ground transport system by providing faster travel options amid rising congestion. 'We want to change the way people commute,' said Anthony Khoury, Joby's UAE General Manager.
A flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah aboard the Joby Aerial Taxi is expected to take about twelve minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car.
While Joby's ultimate goal is to make air taxis affordable for everyone, Khoury acknowledged that early services may be priced for higher-income travelers. 'As with any new technology, the early days might be a bit more premium,' he said.
The demonstration flight took place Monday at a remote desert location southeast of downtown Dubai, simulating a typical air taxi journey. The aircraft performed a vertical takeoff, flew several miles, and returned for a vertical landing. The event was attended by senior government officials, transportation executives, and company representatives.
The Joby Aerial Taxi is a flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by the California-based company. It can travel up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
Fully electric and producing zero emissions, Joby's air taxi is designed to be eco-friendly and quiet enough for urban operation. 'It will be flying in the city, near residential areas, and hopefully people will barely notice it,' Khoury said.
Despite the excitement surrounding eVTOL technology as the future of urban air transport, the industry faces challenges, including obtaining regulatory approvals and developing adequate vertiport infrastructure.
Morgan Stanley recently downgraded Joby's stock price target from $10 to $7, citing near-term execution risks and broader aerospace industry concerns like tariffs and supply chain issues. Joby's stock currently trades at $10.55.
In early 2024, Joby secured an exclusive six-year contract with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to operate aerial taxis in the city.
The company plans to launch commercial air taxi services in Dubai in 2026, initially operating from four vertiports located at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
'In aviation, transformations like this are rare,' said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby's President of Original Equipment Manufacturing. 'Every so often, there is a leap into the future. What you're witnessing here is truly exciting, and I look forward to seeing people riding this in the near future.'
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