Joby Aviation, a California-based developer of electric air taxis, has announced a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to introduce a new electric air taxi service in the UK. This collaboration marks a significant step towards providing sustainable, short-range air travel in the country, with Virgin Atlantic supporting the launch of Joby’s zero-emission flights between key UK cities.
Joby, which is developing an all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aims to connect airports and city centers in the UK. The service will initially focus on routes from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports, offering passengers an alternative to traditional ground transportation. Virgin Atlantic will help promote the new service, engage with regulators, and contribute to the development of necessary landing infrastructure.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. “We are excited to work with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to the UK,” Weiss said. “This collaboration aligns with our values and aims to improve connectivity for our customers.”
Joby’s electric aircraft, which can carry up to four passengers and a pilot, can reach speeds of up to 200 mph and is designed for quick, back-to-back flights. The company has completed thousands of test flights and plans to operate on routes of up to 100 miles. The air taxis are expected to significantly reduce travel times; for example, a flight from Heathrow to Canary Wharf could take just 8 minutes compared to an 80-minute car journey.
The partnership also extends Joby’s previous collaboration with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. This agreement builds on a broader initiative between Joby and Delta to explore air taxi services in both the UK and the US.
Joby plans to offer pricing comparable to premium ground transportation options, with the aim of making air travel more accessible for regional commuters and travelers. The company has also worked on gaining certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority to operate its aircraft within the country.