Joby Aviation, a US company, has signed a partnership agreement with Britain's Virgin Atlantic airline and plans to launch an electric air taxi service in Great Britain. The company officially announced this.
Thus, Great Britain will become the seventh country in the world to aim for the introduction of commercial air taxis. Joby Aviation will initially focus on the markets of the US and the United Arab Emirates and then plans to enter the British market.
It has been reported that initial tests of the electric air taxi service in Dubai will begin by the end of this year or early next year. In the US, this service was planned to be launched in 2025, but delays have occurred due to administrative barriers. The company is in the process of obtaining certification from US aviation authorities but has not yet received final approval.
To start the air taxi service in Great Britain, Joby Aviation needs to obtain certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This application was submitted back in 2022. Virgin Atlantic will become the sole official intermediary for Joby Aviation across the country.
The main idea of the project is to transport passengers quickly and conveniently from city centers to airports using electric air taxis. Initially, flights will be conducted between London Heathrow and Manchester airports. In the future, other routes are also planned to be launched.
Joby Aviation's aircraft are designed to carry one pilot, four passengers, and small cargo. These modern electric air taxis can travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour. This allows for the distance between Leeds and Manchester cities to be covered in just 15 minutes.
Although there is still time for the full implementation of the service, Joby Aviation aims to establish its position in the global market. In the future, the company has announced its intention to launch air taxi services not only in Great Britain and the US but also in the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia.
