Joby Aviation recently announced a historic milestone: its electric air taxi has successfully completed a series of piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing wingborne flights in Dubai, marking the start of its commercial market readiness efforts in the region.
A first in the eVTOL sector, these efforts will further develop Joby’s readiness in anticipation of carrying its first passengers in 2026. This milestone also marks a significant step in Joby’s three-pronged commercialization strategy: direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships.
“Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide,” asserted JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation.
Inaugural test flights
Dubai also recently witnessed the inaugural test flights in Dubai, gaining a front-row view of the progress toward their vision for safe and future-ready mobility.
This achievement was made possible by Joby’s collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city,” commented HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.
Commercial service
Joby aims to introduce its commercial service at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, with vertiport construction already underway.
The DXB to Palm Jumeirah trip, for example, is expected to take only 12 minutes, cutting a 45-minute car ride down to a fraction of the time. Joby’s aircraft offers faster, quieter, and more convenient air travel for short commutes, quick trips and seamless mobility across the region.
