Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced that it has taken the first step towards becoming a certified air taxi operator in the UAE.
During the International Civil Aviation Organization’s first Advanced Air Mobility Summit, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, met with Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). During the meeting, Bevirt presented Joby’s letter of intent to initiate the company’s air operator certificate application.
“There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE. 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, delivering fast, clean, and quiet journeys using our revolutionary aircraft,” stated Bevirt.
Joby expands UAE partnerships
In February 2024, Joby signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in Dubai. This positioned the city as a world leader in the next generation of fast, clean and quiet air mobility.
In April 2024, Joby also expanded its partnership with the UAE through a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the:
- Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT)
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
This milestone paved the way for Joby to establish and scale air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
“The letter of intent for the operator certificate application from Joby Aviation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a global leader in EVTOL operations,” stated Al Suwaidi.
Read: UAE’s dnata secures multi-year ground handling agreement with EasyJet at Zurich Airport
Five-stage application process
Joby’s electric air taxi can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Therefore, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which typically takes 45 minutes by car, may take just 10 minutes.
The UAE’s GCAA issues the air operator certificate for commercial air transport in the country. Joby will follow a five-stage application process that will see the company develop a full complement of air taxi operating manuals. The company will also undergo inspections of its UAE facilities. Moreover, it will complete GCAA observation of pilot and aircraft mechanic training as well as flight operations.
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