Joby completes first test flight of aerial taxi in Dubai

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 commercialisation strategy: direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships.

“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of the roads and transport authority – Dubai also witnessed the inaugural test flights in Dubai, gaining a front-row view of the progress toward their vision for safe and future-ready mobility.

The 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). Building on the landmark 2024 agreement with the RTA that granted Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, it positions Joby at the forefront of shaping the future of transportation and reinforces the UAE's role as a leader in advanced air mobility.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said: “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.

“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. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”

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 is designed to transport a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (~320 km/h), with minimal noise and zero operating emissions. It offers faster, quieter, and more convenient air travel for short commutes, quick trips and seamless mobility across the region.