Joby Aviation, a frontrunner in the development of electric air taxis, is on track to revolutionise business travel in the UAE, having taken the initial steps to become the country’s first certified electric air taxi operator.
At the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, met with His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and submitted a Letter of Intent to begin the process for an Air Operator Certificate.
This milestone builds on Joby’s February agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to launch air taxi services in Dubai, a move that underscores the Emirate’s ambition to lead in the next generation of sustainable air mobility. Expanding further, Joby signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April with key departments in Abu Dhabi, marking its commitment to scaling operations throughout the UAE.
“There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE,” said Bevirt. “We’re excited to collaborate with partners like the GCAA to establish one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks, offering fast, clean, and quiet journeys.”
The GCAA’s Air Operator Certificate, a prerequisite for commercial air transport, will see Joby undergo a rigorous five-stage application process, including the development of operational manuals, inspections, and oversight of training and flight operations.
Joby’s electric air taxi, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, aims to cut travel times significantly—transforming a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah into a swift 10-minute flight. As business travel continues to evolve, Joby’s advancements promise to redefine urban mobility in the UAE, offering a glimpse into the future of corporate travel.