Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based company focused on developing electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, has announced the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This MoU serves as a foundational agreement for Joby to establish and expand air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and other locations.
Joby in Abu Dhabi | We’ve signed a multilateral agreement with three Abu Dhabi government departments to establish and scale Joby’s electric air taxi service in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
The agreement covers the potential to develop a full air taxi ecosystem, including training,…— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) April 25, 2024
The signing of the MoU took place during the DRIFTx international thought-leadership and exhibition platform in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the wide-ranging support that Joby receives as part of its involvement in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. This collaboration builds upon Joby’s existing commitments to the UAE, including the exclusive rights to operate air taxi services in Dubai, which are anticipated to commence as early as next year. Additionally, the agreement opens up possibilities for inter-emirate air taxi services, such as routes connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Establishing groundwork for air taxi services
Commenting on this, Chairman of DMT Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa said that Abu Dhabi has set its sights on leading the way in advancing and implementing the next phase of advanced mobility solutions. He emphasized that through the Emirate’s SAVI cluster and the visionary partnership with Joby, they are not only establishing the groundwork for cutting-edge air taxi services but also shaping the future of transportation. Al Shorafa highlighted that this collaboration will initiate a journey where the possibilities are limitless, as the sky ceases to be a boundary but becomes the starting point. He eagerly anticipates witnessing the innovative aircraft of Joby taking flight from the UAE capital, providing the world with a glimpse of what the future of mobility holds, through the lens of Abu Dhabi.
Rapid growth in smart and autonomous vehicles sector
For his part, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, the development of an advanced industrial and manufacturing base plays a crucial role in Abu Dhabi’s “economic diversification 2.0” agenda, as outlined by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS). This strategy aims to solidify the Emirate’s position as the most competitive industrial hub in the region by facilitating access to financing, improving the ease of doing business, and attracting foreign direct investment. Al Zaabi further emphasized that the smart and autonomous vehicles sector is experiencing rapid growth, supported by the establishment of the SAVI cluster, which utilizes Abu Dhabi’s exceptional infrastructure to expand the operations of global companies. He viewed Joby’s expansion into Abu Dhabi as a testament to the success of this strategy.
Cutting-edge aircraft
Joby’s aircraft is making its debut at the DRIFTx event in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. This aircraft is specifically engineered to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, reaching impressive speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (321 km/h). Notably, it operates with zero emissions and has an exceptionally low acoustic footprint. Moreover, with a maximum range of 100 miles (161 km), this aircraft offers rapid and eco-friendly air travel within Abu Dhabi and throughout the broader UAE. For instance, a trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, which typically takes around two hours by car during rush hour, can be completed in just 30 minutes using this aircraft.
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