Joby Plans Electric Air Taxi Service in Dubai by 2026
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, presented the company's Letter of Intent for applying for the United Arab Emirates Air Operator Certificate at the Advanced Air Mobility Summit of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held this week in Montreal. Joby plans to launch its air taxi services in Dubai in early 2026, following an agreement signed earlier this year with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). "We are pleased to announce our six-year exclusive agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and a multi-party cooperation agreement in Abu Dhabi. There is tremendous momentum behind the acceptance of electric aviation in the United Arab Emirates, and we look forward to providing fast, efficient, and sustainable travel to our future customers. We continue to lead the industry in bringing electric air taxi services to market, being the first to achieve numerous milestones in flight testing, certification processes, and operational readiness." An Air Operator Certificate issued by the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is essential for operating commercial air taxi services in the Emirates. During the five-stage application process, Joby will develop its air taxi operational manuals, facilities in the United Arab Emirates will be inspected, and the GCAA will oversee the training of pilots and aircraft mechanics as well as flight operations. Joby's electric air taxi can carry four passengers and a pilot at speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h), and the company claims it can complete a 45-minute car ride between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah in just 10 minutes. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority, stated, "Joby Aviation's application for an operator's certificate is an important milestone towards the United Arab Emirates becoming a global leader in eVTOL operations. Our readiness to support these advanced technologies underlines our commitment to promoting advanced air mobility solutions that will be part of future transportation in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. We look forward to working closely with Joby Aviation to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency as we approach the realization of commercial eVTOL operations." Joby's application for operation in the United Arab Emirates comes shortly after the company also submitted its certification application in Australia last month.
