Latest news with #JobyAerialTaxi
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Dubai International Airport's first vertiport to be ready in early 2026 ahead of flying taxi launch
Joby Aviation, the California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has revealed that the first vertiport at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to completion in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the commercial rollout of the flying taxi service. 'Our vertiport network development in Dubai, a key strategic pillar for commercial operations, remains on pace. The Dubai International Airport (DXB) vertiport, engineered for concurrent aircraft movements and rapid passenger processing, is critical infrastructure and is on track for completion in Q1 2026,' Joby Aviation said in its second-quarter 2025 report. A vertiport is a designated area, like an airport, for the takeoff and landing of eVTOLs. Joby Aviation has been working with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports for the construction of the first vertiport for the Dubai air taxi network since November 2024. Apart from Dubai International Airport, there will be three more vertiports in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina in the initial phase as part of Dubai's air taxi service scheduled to launch in 2026. Joby Aviation had been conducting extensive trials starting in June and into July in Dubai to assess the operational readiness ahead of the commercial launch. 'Joby completed 21 full-transition flights in a multi-week campaign in Dubai this summer to validate commercial readiness. The campaign validated several aspects of commercial market readiness in real-world conditions, spanning maintenance, logistics, aircraft capabilities and infrastructure,' the company said. 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 'Over the course of several weeks in June and July, we conducted a series of piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing wingborne flights. In addition to validating our aircraft's capabilities, this campaign solidified the operational rigour and regulatory coordination required to successfully deploy air taxi service in the region. From access to airspace for flight tests to aligning on daily operations standards, this direct, in-market regulatory engagement provided real-time feedback for operational approvals. This was a critical step on our path to carrying our first passengers in Dubai in 2026,' Joby Aviation's quarterly report stated. In 2024, Dubai announced its plans to become the first city in the world to offer air taxi service, for which is expected in early 2026. Abu Dhabi is also set to launch its own electric air taxi service in partnership with Archer Aviation. Flying taxis are expected to revolutionise urban transport and ease traffic congestion across more cities in the world in the coming years.
Web Release
07-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Dubai Leads Mobility Innovation with First Joby Air Taxi Test Flight
In a major step towards launching Aerial Taxi services, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Joby Aviation, has announced the successful completion of the region's first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. The trial was carried out at a designated desert site in Dubai. Speaking about the achievement, 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, stated, 'Dubai continues to take the lead in defining the future of transport, following the strategic direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 'This accomplishment also demonstrates our commitment to positioning the UAE at the cutting edge of transformative technologies that propel global progress. The successful test flight of the aerial taxi highlights our dedication to converting pioneering innovations into real-world solutions that improve quality of life and establish new global standards for urban advancement.' He further noted, 'In line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's broader sustainable development goals, the integration of aerial mobility into our transport framework is an essential move towards building infrastructure tailored to the needs of future generations. Our efforts are focused on making daily life more convenient, unlocking fresh prospects, and further solidifying Dubai's status as the world's leading city for living, working, and tourism.' The test flight was observed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the 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.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Dubai eyes air taxi launch in 2026 after successful test flight
Dubai could soon transform daily commuting with the introduction of air taxis. California-based Joby Aviation successfully conducted the first test flight of its fully-electric aerial taxi in the emirate this week. The demonstration marks a critical step in Dubai's plan to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the city's mobility network by 2026. Joby Aviation aims to help ease the burden on Dubai's increasingly congested roads by offering a faster, eco-friendly alternative for short-distance travel. 'We want to change the way people commute,' Reuters quoted Anthony Khoury, Joby's UAE General Manager, as saying. According to the company, a trip from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah using its aerial taxi will take just 12 minutes—compared to approximately 45 minutes by car. The future of cleaner, quieter urban travel just landed in Dubai. Today marks a significant milestone on our path to commercialization: we successfully completed a series of piloted, full-transition, electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing flights in — Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) June 30, 2025 Earlier in 2024, Joby signed an exclusive six-year contract with Dubai's Roads and Transit Authority (RTA) to operate aerial taxis in the emirate. The commercial rollout, expected in 2026, will initially connect four vertiport hubs—Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. While affordability remains a long-term goal, Khoury acknowledged that the initial pricing structure may cater more to high-income travelers. 'As with any novel technology, early days might be a bit more premium,' he said. The test flight was held on Monday at a remote desert site southeast of Dubai's downtown. Designed to simulate a typical passenger route, the electric aircraft executed a vertical takeoff, flew several miles, and returned with a vertical landing. The event was attended by senior government officials, transport executives, and Joby Aviation representatives. The Joby Aerial Taxi is capable of flying up to 160 km at speeds reaching 320 kmph. With zero operating emissions, the fully-electric eVTOL is designed for minimal noise, making it ideal for urban use. 'It will be flying in the city, next to residential areas, and hopefully people will barely notice it,' Khoury noted. Despite the progress, the eVTOL industry still faces challenges such as regulatory approvals and infrastructure development, particularly the construction of vertiports. In April, Morgan Stanley downgraded Joby's stock price target from $10 to $7 due to execution risks and industry-wide concerns like supply-chain disruptions and tariffs. Joby shares currently trade at $10.55, according to Reuters.
Arab Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Electric air taxis set to transform commuting in Dubai by 2026
DUBAI, UAE, July 2: Dubai commuters may soon have a new way to bypass traffic jams: electric air taxis. 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.'
Observer
01-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Dubai aims to beat the traffic with 2026 Joby air taxi liftoff
Dubai commuters may soon have a new way to skip traffic: air taxis. Joby Aviation conducted the first test flight of its fully-electric air taxi in the emirate this week, a major milestone in the city's efforts to integrate airborne transport into existing mobility networks as early as next year. Joby hopes its air-taxis will ease pressure on existing ground transportation and offer travelers a faster alternative as Dubai faces increasing congestion. "We want to change the way people commute," Anthony Khoury, Joby's UAE General Manager, said. A journey from Dubai's main airport DXB to Palm Jumeirah aboard the Joby Aerial Taxi will take roughly twelve minutes, the company predicts, as opposed to 45 minutes by car. While Joby's long-term ambition is to make its aerial taxis "affordable for everybody to use," Khoury says, they acknowledge early pricing will likely target higher-income travelers. "As with any novel technology, early days might be a bit more premium." The demonstration flight was held on Monday at an isolated desert site southeast of Dubai's downtown and was designed to emulate a typical aerial taxi journey, according to Joby Aviation officials. In a ceremony attended by senior government officials, transport executives and company representatives, the experimental aircraft executed a vertical takeoff, flew for several miles, and then returned for a vertical landing. The Joby Aerial Taxi, the flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by the California-based company, can fly distances of up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) at speeds reaching 320km/hr (200mph). Fully electric, with zero operating emissions, Joby's air-taxi is designed to be both eco-friendly and quiet enough for commercial use in dense urban areas. "It will be flying in the city, next to residential areas, and hopefully people will barely notice it,' Khoury said. While eVTOLs such as Joby's have been hailed as the future of urban air the industry still faces major hurdles -- including securing regulatory approval and developing sufficient vertiport infrastructure. Morgan Stanley downgraded Joby's stock price target from $10 to $7 in April, flagging near-term execution risks and broader aerospace industry concerns, including tariffs and supply-chain issues. Joby is currently trading at $10.55. In early 2024, Joby signed a contract with Dubai's Roads and Transit Authority that awarded the company exclusive rights to operate aerial taxis in the city for the next six years. The company plans to inaugurate the emirate's commercial air-taxi service in 2026, with four initial vertiports located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina. "In aviation, you don't see transformations like this,' said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby's President of Original Equipment Manufacturing. "Every once in a while, you have this propulsive move into the future. What you're witnessing here is really exciting, and I'm excited for you to be riding this one point in the future.'
