Joby Aviation aims to become UAE’s first certified electric air taxi operator

Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has taken a significant step towards becoming the first certified electric air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates.

At the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO, presented a Letter of Intent to His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), initiating Joby’s application for an Air Operator Certificate.

Earlier this year, Joby signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to launch air taxi services in Dubai, enhancing the city’s position as a leader in advanced air mobility. This partnership was further expanded in April through a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding with key departments in Abu Dhabi, setting the stage for Joby to establish air taxi services across the UAE.

Bevirt expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks.”

The Air Operator Certificate from the GCAA is a mandatory requirement for commercial air transport in the UAE. Joby will undergo a five-stage application process, including the development of operational manuals, facility inspections, and GCAA oversight of training and flight operations.

Joby’s electric air taxi, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, promises to revolutionise travel in the UAE, reducing a typical 45-minute car journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 10 minutes.