Joby Aviation, a US-based company known for developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, plans to launch services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of other countries, including the US.
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The US-based company plans to operate air taxis in the Emirates for six years, according to Khaleej Times. Joby Aviation also received financial support from the Dubai government prior to its launch.
“We have signed a definitive agreement with the Government of Dubai that grants Joby exclusive rights to exclusively operate air taxis in the Emirate of Dubai for six years,” the flying car maker said in a financial report. “The agreement includes financial support and identifies regulatory pathways to enable early operations,” the statement added.
In February this year, Joby Aviation signed an agreement with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the World Government Summit (WGS) to launch air taxi services in the Emirates by early 2026. In the meantime, the company is targeting the following initial operations: By 2025 at the earliest.
“We’ll probably be able to fly to Dubai first,” Bonnie Simi, president of Joby Aviation, said in a recent interview with Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, the agreement signed by Joby Aviation secures various support from Dubai’s RTA. This also includes financial mechanisms for the entry and maturation of service operations in the Emirates.
Joby Aviation plans to install four vertiports in Dubai for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Launch locations reportedly include Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
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Cover image source: twitter
