Joby Aviation seeks certification for electric air taxis in UAE

Joby Aviation, a California-based company, is taking significant steps towards launching electric air taxi services in the UAE. On September 10, 2024, during the International Civil Aviation Organization's Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, CEO JoeBen Bevirt presented a Letter of Intent to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to initiate the Air Operator Certificate application process. This marks a pivotal moment in the UAE's ambition to lead in electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) operations. In February 2024, Joby signed an agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority to establish air taxi services in Dubai, aiming to enhance urban mobility. The company further expanded its collaboration with Abu Dhabi's various departments through a Memorandum of Understanding, facilitating the growth of air taxi services across the emirate. Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, significantly reducing travel time in the region. The GCAA's Air Operator Certificate is essential for commercial air transport operations in the UAE. Joby will undergo a comprehensive five-stage application process, which includes developing operational manuals, facility inspections, and training observations. This process is similar to what Joby completed to receive its U.S. Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate in May 2022, where it has been operating traditional aircraft for over two years. The UAE's commitment to advanced air mobility solutions reflects a broader trend towards clean and efficient transportation. Joby’s initiative is expected to contribute to the region's transportation landscape, providing fast, clean, and quiet journeys, and positioning the UAE as a global leader in the future of air travel.