Joby Aviation, Will Bring Taxis Flying To Dubai In 2025

Joby Aviation announced its plans to launch a commercial flying taxi service in Dubai by 2025. (photo: x @jobyaviation)

JAKARTA - A California company called Joby Aviation announced its plans to launch a commercial flying taxi service in Dubai by 2025. Their flying taxi, backed by the propeller, is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 320 km/hour.

With a range of 160 km and a maximum speed of 320 km/hour, this taxi offers a fast and efficient journey. Compared to a 45-minute journey by car, a trip from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah will only take 10 minutes.

Joby Aviation has signed a deal with Dubai Road Transport Authority to launch air taxi services there in early 2026. The company is targeting to start operating next year.

Joby Aviation CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed his honor at the partnership with the Dubai government to show the value of sustainable air travel. They plan to provide extraordinary experiences for Dubai residents and visitors.

Joby's flying taxi is known as a VTOL aircraft, which can take off vertically without the need to build on-ground speeds first, thereby reducing the need for runway space.

The taxi is fully electric, so it doesn't produce harmful pollution. Joby has also signed a deal with British shipping company Skyports to design, build and operate four'vertiport' sites in Dubai.

Customers will be able to book trips via the smartphone application, get their tickets, and pass through the entrance at their departure. They will be greeted at the vertiport lounge before departure, although this service may be limited to the rich.

Travel prices have not been announced, but Joby hopes to make them as powerful as possible. They promised that tariffs would be much more affordable than private helicopter trips.

Apart from Joby Aviation, there are also other companies trying to take flying taxis to Dubai. However, Joby now has the exclusive right to operate air taxis there.

This is a major step towards a future where air transportation can be a more common and sustainable option for the global community.