Joby Aviation has completed its first series of piloted electric air taxi flights in Dubai, marking a major milestone in the race to launch commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services. The test flights are the first of their kind in the UAE and represent a crucial step in Joby’s plan to begin passenger operations by 2026.
The California-based aerospace company has partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to integrate air taxi services into the city’s transportation network. Construction has already begun on Joby’s first commercial vertiport at Dubai International Airport, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2026.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, attended the test flights. “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility,” he said. “It also introduces a new premium travel service for residents and visitors alike.”
Joby’s electric aircraft, which carries a pilot and up to four passengers, is designed to reach speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h) while producing zero operating emissions and minimal noise. A planned route from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to cut current road travel time from 45 minutes to just 12 minutes.
JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO, described the milestone as “a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide.” He added that the UAE is serving as a global launchpad for the adoption of clean, quiet, and efficient flight technologies.
The partnership builds on a landmark agreement signed earlier this year, granting Joby exclusive air taxi operating rights in Dubai for six years. The company aims to establish a city-wide network of vertiports connecting key destinations including Dubai Marina and Downtown.
Joby’s operations in Dubai follow nearly two years of hot weather testing in the United States at Edwards Air Force Base. The company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol JOBY, boasts more than 40,000 miles of flight testing and a 15-year track record of engineering development.
In addition to direct operations, Joby plans to scale its aircraft manufacturing and explore aircraft sales and regional partnerships. The project aligns with Dubai’s broader mobility goals, which include greater integration between public transport systems and emerging personal mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles.
With construction underway and regulatory support in place, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in the future of urban air mobility. Joby’s next steps include continued operational testing, vertiport development, and preparation for passenger service launch in 2026.
For more on Joby’s technology and progress, visit www.jobyaviation.com.
