Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a pioneer in electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has reached a groundbreaking milestone: the company’s all-electric air taxi has successfully completed a series of piloted, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flights in Dubai. This achievement marks the official start of Joby’s commercial market readiness efforts in the region and represents a first for the eVTOL sector as Joby prepares to welcome its first passengers in 2026.
“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a high-performance aircraft, we’ve been maturing our program to deliver anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and growing operational footprint in Dubai are monumental steps toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal—and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), was on hand to witness the inaugural test flights. He expressed confidence in Dubai’s efforts to embrace future-ready mobility: “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing solutions to emerging mobility challenges.”
Joby’s achievement would not have been possible without close collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The flights build on a landmark 2024 agreement granting Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, cementing both Joby’s and the UAE’s positions at the forefront of advanced air mobility.
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city,” continued His Excellency Al Tayer. “This service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”
Joby plans to launch its commercial service from key locations including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown. Vertiport construction is already underway. For example, the journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah—currently a 45-minute drive—will take just 12 minutes by air taxi. Joby’s aircraft, which can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (~320 km/h), is designed for minimal noise and zero operating emissions, promising faster, quieter, and more convenient urban travel.
This commercial readiness initiative in Dubai builds on nearly two years of hot weather trials at Edwards Air Force Base in the United States and demonstrates Joby’s increasing operational capacity. With a 15-year legacy of engineering excellence, over 40,000 miles of flight testing, successful piloted transition flights, and proven multi-aircraft operations, Joby is rapidly advancing toward its vision of making clean, quiet, and fast air travel a reality for everyday life.
“We’re honored to partner with the UAE and Dubai’s RTA to help realize the vision of a connected, sustainable city,” added Bevirt. “These flights are more than just a technical milestone—they’re a signal that the age of electric, on-demand air mobility is closer than ever.”