Joby Aviation partners with Virgin Atlantic to bring electric air taxis to the UK
- Joby Aviation has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to launch an electric air taxi service in the UK.
- Initial flights will connect Heathrow and Manchester Airports, significantly shortening travel times.
- The introduction of this service aims to enhance urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
In a significant development for urban transportation, Joby Aviation, a California-based company, announced a partnership with Virgin Atlantic on March 15, 2025, aimed at launching an electric air taxi service in the UK. Initially, the service is expected to operate between Virgin Atlantic's hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airports, promising to dramatically cut travel times. A journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, which usually takes approximately 80 minutes by car, is projected to be reduced to just eight minutes. Similar rapid connections are anticipated for other regional routes, such as Manchester to Leeds. Joby's all-electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds reaching 200 mph. The unique design, featuring six tilting propellers, allows for vertical take-offs and landings, producing significantly less noise than traditional helicopters. The company has conducted thousands of test flights to refine its technology and ensure safety before the commercial launch. The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby Aviation and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. This collaboration brings together companies invested in innovation and environmental sustainability. As part of this agreement, Virgin Atlantic will assist Joby in market entry efforts, including marketing the service to customers and engaging with regulators to establish necessary infrastructure at key airports. The launch of the air taxi service comes as part of broader initiatives aimed at improving urban mobility in the UK and beyond. The UK's Department of Transport has previously suggested that flying taxis could realistically take to the skies as early as 2026. This service is viewed as part of the Future of Flight Action Plan, which aims to promote innovative transportation solutions. The partnership is expected to pave the way for seamless, zero-emission travel options, enabling greater connectivity in cities and regions across the UK, while reducing the reliance on traditional ground transport.