Dubai Conducts First Test Flight of Joby Aerial Taxi
Dubai has taken a major step toward introducing Aerial Taxi services.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Joby Aviation, announced the successful completion of the region's first Aerial Taxi test flight.
The test was conducted at a dedicated desert site in Dubai. Joby Aviation is a leading developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, reported that the flight reflects the UAE's leadership in adopting transformative technologies.
He noted that this milestone aligns with the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's sustainable development goals.
The aircraft demonstrated its performance in the local environment. Officials revealed that the test is part of daily operations preparing for the commercial launch of Aerial Taxi services.
Key dignitaries present at the event included: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the RTA Board
H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA
H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Balqeizi, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
H.E. Ibrahim Hussain Ahli, Dubai Air Navigation Services
The Joby Aerial Taxi is powered entirely by electricity. It features vertical take-off and landing, zero operating emissions, and low noise levels.
The aircraft includes six rotors, four battery packs, and seats for four passengers plus a pilot. It can reach a top speed of 320 km/h and travel up to 160 km.
The design is tailored for urban use, needing minimal space for take-off and landing at vertiports.
Officials also reviewed test facilities developed with Shamal Holding. These include a vertiport, flight monitoring hangar, and advanced electric charging stations.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA Public Transport Agency, presented the project timeline.
It was revealed that commercial Aerial Taxi services are set to launch in 2026. Operations will begin near Dubai International Airport.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer stated that the trial reflects Dubai's push for innovative and sustainable public transport.
He reported that the Aerial Taxi will offer premium, fast, and safe travel. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
The system will integrate with existing transport modes like metro, e-scooters, and bicycles.
JoeBen Bevirt added that Dubai is a launchpad for global aerial mobility and a key partner in making clean, quiet aviation part of everyday life.
In early 2024, the RTA signed an agreement with the General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation.
This agreement positions Dubai as the first city globally to deploy Aerial Taxis through a complete VTOL infrastructure network.
The company confirmed that the testing in Dubai follows two years of flight trials at Edwards Air Force Base in the United States.
With more than 40,000 miles of test flights and multiple piloted transitions, Joby Aviation aims to make fast, clean, and accessible air travel a reality.
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