Joby’s all-electric air taxi in flight above the company’s flight test facility in Marina, California. Credit: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation, a California-based company, is set to revolutionize short-haul travel in the UK by partnering with Virgin Atlantic to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities across the nation. This strategic partnership melds Joby’s cutting-edge expertise in design, engineering, and technology with Virgin Atlantic’s renowned brand and award-winning customer service.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.” This partnership expands upon Joby’s existing alliance with Delta Air Lines for community-to-airport transportation, which is exclusive in the US and UK for five years post-commercial launch.
A Joby trip from London Heathrow Airport to central London could take as little as 8 minutes. Credit: Joby Aviation
Harnessing Electric Air Taxi Technology
Joby’s revolutionary air taxi service is poised to redefine urban air mobility. It can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, utilizing six tilting propellers for quiet vertical takeoff and landing. Designed for quick, consecutive flights on routes up to 100 miles, Joby’s innovative air taxi has already conducted thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York, Japan, and South Korea. This strong track record illustrates Joby’s capability to deliver groundbreaking transportation solutions, positioning them for a successful rollout of this new mode of air travel.
“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.
Joby Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt and Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2024. Credit: Joby Aviation
Time-Saving Travel Options
The implementation of Joby’s electric air taxi has the potential to significantly reduce travel times across the UK. For instance, commuters could enjoy a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, compared to a driving time of 80 minutes. Joby plans to establish a network of landing sites for efficient travel in urban centres throughout the UK. Their target is to offer competitive pricing comparable to current premium ground ridesharing options at launch.
Joby made headlines in the UK in July 2022 when they applied for validation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for their electric air taxi service. The company showcased its electric air taxi for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, further cementing its commitment to transforming urban air mobility.
With this innovative partnership, the promise of electric air taxis in the UK is rapidly becoming a reality, bringing forth a new era in sustainable and efficient air travel.
