Latest news with #AerialTaxi
TECHx
3 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Dubai Conducts First Test Flight of Joby Aerial Taxi
Home » Smart Sectors » Mobility » 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.
Dubai Eye
4 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai completes region's first test flight of Joby Air Taxi
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince, on Monday announced the successful first test flight of Joby air taxi in the region, marking "a major step towards launching full operations next year". In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan, who also holds the position of the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said it is a "a new leap in eco-friendly urban mobility". The test flight was conducted through a collaboration between Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation at a designated desert test site in Dubai. The test sites feature a dedicated vertiport, a hangar for flight monitoring and tracking, and the latest electric charging technologies. "The all-electric aerial taxi represents a new leap in eco-friendly urban mobility - reducing travel times, enhancing quality of life and advancing sustainable development," Sheikh Hamdan added. "This pioneering initiative is part of the UAE's broader vision to lead the world in innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies. "Our nation's skies have opened to new possibilities, and the best is yet to come," he added. Dubai has successfully completed the region's first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. Conducted through a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, the test flight marks a major step toward launching full operations next year. The all-electric… — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 30, 2025 It is part of a series of daily test operations aimed at evaluating the aircraft's performance within the local environment, in preparation for the commercial rollout of urban air mobility services. The Joby Aerial Taxi is powered entirely by electricity, generating zero operating emissions. Its design features six rotors and four battery packs, enabling it to achieve a flight range of up to 160 km and a maximum speed of 320 km/h. The air taxi can accommodate four passengers in addition to the pilot and operates at significantly lower noise levels compared to conventional helicopters. It is ideally suited for urban environments, requiring minimal horizontal space for take-off and landing at vertiports. In a significant stride towards introducing Aerial Taxi services, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Joby Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, announced the region's first successful test flight of the… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 30, 2025 Dubai pioneers the future of mobility with region's first test flight of Joby Aerial Taxi. @rta_dubai I @jobyaviation — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 30, 2025 In 2026, Aerial Taxi station operations will take-off near Dubai International Airport, during which the inaugural commercial Aerial Taxi flight is scheduled to take place. 'The aerial taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. A journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for example, is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car,' said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, highlighted that they are 'helping shape a future where clean and quiet aviation becomes the new norm'.
Gulf Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai's aerial taxi services: RTA tests region's first flight
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website In a landmark step toward the future of urban air mobility, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with US-based Read- The trial flight featured Joby Aviation's all-electric aircraft, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing, enabling it to operate in densely populated urban areas with minimal spatial requirements. The aerial taxi is powered by electricity, generates zero operating emissions, and has been engineered to operate at significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters, The test flight was attended by prominent UAE officials, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. 'Dubai continues to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility, guided by the strategic vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress. It also underscores our determination to turn breakthrough innovations into practical solutions that improve quality of life.' Urban air travel set to transform mobility The Joby Aerial Taxi is designed to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, with a flight range of up to 160 kilometers and a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The aircraft's VTOL design uses six rotors and four battery packs, enabling it to take off and land vertically from specially designed vertiports. The successful test was part of a series of ongoing flight evaluations intended to assess the aircraft's performance in Dubai's unique climate and urban conditions. The trials are an early step toward a broader commercial rollout, which is set to begin in 2026 with the inauguration of the first Aerial Taxi station near Dubai International Airport. The ultimate goal is to offer a premium and efficient alternative to ground transportation. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, is expected to take just 10 to 12 minutes by aerial taxi, compared to roughly 45 minutes by car. The demonstration was attended by senior figures in Dubai's aviation and transport sectors, including Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); and executives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Air Navigation Services. Commenting on the achievement, Mattar Al Tayer said the aerial taxi's introduction is a natural progression in the city's embrace of smart and sustainable mobility. 'The test flight reflects the leadership's vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced public transport system,' Al Tayer said. 'It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's broader vision for sustainable development.' Infrastructure development underway for 2026 launch In collaboration with Shamal Holding, RTA has already begun developing the infrastructure to support aerial taxi services. This includes a dedicated vertiport, a hangar equipped with real-time flight tracking systems, and cutting-edge electric charging facilities. These installations are integral to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of eVTOL aircraft across the city. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency, briefed officials on the project's roadmap. According to the timeline, Dubai's first commercial aerial taxi service will begin operations in 2026, with routes designed to serve key destinations and integrate with the broader public transport network. 'Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility,' said Bevirt. 'Flying our aircraft here represents a pivotal step toward integrating aerial taxis into the daily lives of people around the world. Our strategic partnership with RTA enables us to help shape a future where clean and quiet aviation becomes the new standard.' Bevirt highlighted the efficiency of the aircraft, noting that it can reduce travel times dramatically while offering a quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional helicopters. He emphasized the significance of the partnership with Dubai in showcasing American aerospace innovation on a global stage. 'This achievement is the result of two years of close collaboration,' he added. 'It underscores Joby's leadership in the field and reaffirms the UAE's position as a pioneer in adopting next-generation air mobility technologies.' Building on years of research and global testing Joby's readiness to initiate testing in Dubai follows more than 15 years of research and development. The company has logged over 40,000 miles of flight testing and completed numerous successful piloted transition flights. Much of the recent testing has been carried out under extreme weather conditions at Edwards Air Force Base in the U.S., ensuring that the aircraft is fully prepared for the heat and humidity of the Gulf region. Earlier this year, Dubai's RTA signed a multi-party agreement to bring aerial taxi services to the city. The deal includes partners such as the GCAA, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Skyports Infrastructure—a UK-based firm specializing in vertiport development. The agreement makes Dubai the first city in the world to plan a fully integrated eVTOL service with operational infrastructure tailored for urban air mobility. According to RTA, the aerial taxi service will complement existing transportation options and promote seamless multimodal mobility across Dubai. This includes integration with the metro, buses, e-scooters, and bicycles—helping to create a cohesive and future-proof transport ecosystem. Looking ahead, Joby Aviation intends to expand its footprint across the UAE and the wider region. The company sees Dubai as a strategic launch point for the broader Middle East and envisions aerial transport as a key part of the region's smart city evolution. 'Dubai is a model for transportation innovation,' Bevirt said. 'With a highly developed metro, a world-class road network, and now the first aerial taxi system in the region, the city is setting a global benchmark for urban mobility.' New era of urban mobility on display The Museum of the Future, in collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has unveiled Exhibited on the museum's 'Tomorrow, Today' floor, the aerial taxi prototype reinforces Dubai's commitment to its Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aiming for 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030. A greener way to travel The electric aerial taxi, developed by California-based Joby Aviation, showcases zero-emissions technology that aligns with global sustainability goals. Its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design and advanced safety features make it a compelling alternative to traditional transport. 'We are honoured to showcase the aerial taxi model at the Museum of the Future, which underscores Dubai's ambition and forward-thinking approach to redefining mobility,' said Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA. 'Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi project, with services expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.' Look inside the Joby S4 The aircraft features six rotors, four battery packs, and seats for four passengers plus a pilot. It can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h and has a range of 161 km. Notably quieter than helicopters, the vehicle offers a faster and more comfortable experience. Initial routes will connect key locations across the city, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A typical flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. Smart infrastructure and vertiport development The vertiport infrastructure, which will support around 42,000 landings annually and accommodate 170,000 passengers, will feature state-of-the-art facilities and meet international safety standards. Vehicle operations and passenger logistics will be handled by Joby Aviation, while Skyports Infrastructure will manage the design, construction, and operations of the vertiports. RTA will oversee the integration of aerial taxis into Dubai's broader transport network. Royal approval for vertiport construction In November 2024, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially approved construction of the c The vertiport will cover 3,100 square metres and include zones for take-off and landing, charging stations, an apron, and parking. Air-conditioned facilities will enhance passenger comfort while adhering to stringent safety protocols. Agreements and operational timeline The initiative follows a 2024 agreement signed between RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation to bring aerial mobility to the emirate. J Dubai's leap into the future 'The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai's pioneering leadership in shaping the future of transportation,' said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the museum. 'Our partnership with the RTA underscores the museum's mission to inspire groundbreaking ideas and foster a culture of innovation.' Joby's entry into the UAE market positions Dubai as a global leader in urban aerial mobility, with plans to expand services across the country and the wider region.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai pioneers future of mobility with region's first test flight of Joby Aerial Taxi
In a significant stride towards introducing Aerial Taxi services, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Joby Aviation announced the region's first successful test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. The test flight was conducted at a designated desert test site in Dubai. Commenting on this milestone, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said, 'Dubai continues to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility, guided by the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. "This achievement also reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress. Further, the successful aerial taxi test flight demonstrates our determination to transform breakthrough technologies into practical solutions that enhance quality of life and set new international benchmarks for urban development.' He added, 'As we work to realise the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, within the framework of the UAE's sustainable development vision, the integration of aerial mobility into our transport ecosystem is a step towards ensuring the city's infrastructure is built around the needs of future generations. Our initiatives aim to make life easier for people, creating new opportunities, and reinforcing Dubai's position as the best city in the world to live, work, and visit.' The test flight was witnessed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General, General Civil Aviation Authority; Ahmed Ali Al Balqeizi, Executive Director of the Aviation Safety and Environment Sector – Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; and Ibrahim Hussain Ahli, Executive Director – Dubai Air Navigation Services. The launch of the aerial taxi's first test flight, the first of its kind in the region, was part of a series of daily test operations aimed at evaluating the aircraft's performance within the local environment, in preparation for the commercial rollout of urban air mobility services. The Joby Aerial Taxi is distinguished by its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. It is a sustainable, environmentally friendly vehicle powered entirely by electricity, generating zero operating emissions. Designed with a focus on safety, comfort, and speed, the aircraft incorporates the latest advancements in global aviation technology. Its design features six rotors and four battery packs, enabling it to achieve a flight range of up to 160 km and a maximum speed of 320 km/h. The Aerial Taxi accommodates four passengers in addition to the pilot and operates at significantly lower noise levels compared to conventional helicopters. Thanks to its VTOL functionality, the aircraft is ideally suited for urban environments, requiring minimal horizontal space for take-off and landing at vertiports. The dignitaries reviewed the test facilities developed in collaboration with Shamal Holding. These facilities include a dedicated vertiport for aerial vehicles, a hangar equipped with state-of-the-art systems for flight monitoring and tracking of the Aerial Taxi, and the latest electric charging technologies. The dignitaries received a briefing from JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, on the project timeline and upcoming milestones. The year 2026 will mark the launch of Aerial Taxi station operations near Dubai International Airport, during which the inaugural commercial Aerial Taxi flight is scheduled to take place. Mattar Al Tayer said, 'The launch of the air taxi's trial operation reflects the leadership's vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai's commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges. 'The aerial taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. A journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for example, is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across the city, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.' For his part, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said, 'Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility, and flying our aircraft here represents a pivotal step towards integrating Aerial Taxi services into the fabric of daily life around the world.' He added, 'Thanks to our forward-looking strategic partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, we are helping shape a future where clean and quiet aviation becomes the new norm. At the same time, we are proud to reinforce the global presence of American innovation. 'This achievement is the result of close collaboration and a strong relationship between Joby and the Roads and Transport Authority. It underscores the company's leading role in shaping the future of mobility and reaffirms the UAE's global leadership in adopting advanced air mobility solutions.' At the beginning of 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority signed an agreement to launch the Aerial Taxi service in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Skyports Infrastructure, a leading British company in the development of advanced air mobility infrastructure, and Joby Aviation. The agreement positions Dubai as the first city in the world to offer urban air mobility through an advanced network of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) infrastructure for Aerial Taxis. Joby's ability to commence operational testing in Dubai reflects the culmination of two years of flight trials in hot-weather conditions at Edwards Air Force Base in the United States, in addition to rigorous testing that demonstrates operational readiness. Joby's vision is built on a foundation of over 15 years of engineering excellence, more than 40,000 miles of test flights, and multiple successful piloted transition flights, along with the simultaneous operation of several aircraft. These achievements reinforce the company's momentum toward realising its goal of making clean, quiet, fast, and affordable aerial mobility an everyday reality.
