Joby Aviation partners with Virgin Atlantic to launch electric air taxi service in the UK, offering zero-emission, fast, and convenient travel across key cities.
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| Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic to launch the first UK electric air taxi service, providing fast, sustainable transport with zero emissions. Image: Joby Aviation |
SANTA CRUZ, California — March 17, 2025:
Joby Aviation, the California-based electric air taxi developer, has formed a strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic to launch a groundbreaking air taxi service across the UK. This partnership builds on the existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, with Delta owning a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, and promises to revolutionize the UK transportation landscape with zero-emission flights.
The collaboration will introduce seamless short-range journeys, starting with routes from Virgin Atlantic’s major hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports. Through this service, Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve flights on Joby’s electric air taxis via the airline's app and website. These aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, can travel at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering a fast and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ground transportation.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, emphasized the significance of the partnership, combining Joby’s innovative technology with Virgin Atlantic’s renowned customer service to introduce a sustainable and efficient mobility solution. Joby’s electric air taxis feature six tilting propellers, enabling vertical takeoff and landing with much less noise than conventional helicopters. The aircraft is designed for rapid, back-to-back flights of up to 100 miles, such as an 8-minute trip from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, which would otherwise take up to 80 minutes by car.
The service will initially focus on major UK routes, including flights between airports and nearby cities. Joby plans to expand the network of landing sites over time, offering convenient and quick travel options for urban areas throughout the UK. At launch, the company expects the pricing to be comparable to premium ground transportation services.
This partnership strengthens Joby’s presence in the UK market, following its first major international exhibition of the aircraft at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow and its formal application for certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Joby and Virgin Atlantic’s collaboration marks a significant milestone in the development of urban air mobility, promising a cleaner, more efficient future for transportation.