Virgin Atlantic to start electric air taxi service in UK
What's the story
Joby Aviation, a front-runner in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft segment, has partnered with Virgin Atlantic. The two companies intend to launch an air taxi service in the UK. The partnership is another step toward Joby's global commercialization, following similar deals in the US and UAE. Although no timeline has been given for the UK launch, it's likely to follow Joby's Dubai and US launches.
Testing phase
Joby's eVTOL aircraft set for market testing
Joby Aviation is gearing up to market test its eVTOL aircraft in Dubai, either later this year or early 2026. This comes after the delivery of its first eVTOL aircraft to the UAE. The company also plans to launch a commercial service in the US, possibly in New York or Los Angeles, by this year's end. However, this may be pushed back as Joby seeks necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications.
Certification process
Certifications and regulatory approvals
In October 2024, Joby Aviation announced it was nearing type certification, an approval regarding the vehicle's design. However, no updated timeline has been provided for this process. Before launching its services in the UK, Joby must secure its own certifications from the country. The company applied for validation of its aircraft by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority back in July 2022.
Partnership details
Joby's exclusive airline distribution agreement with Virgin Atlantic
Under the terms of their partnership, Joby Aviation will be Virgin Atlantic's exclusive airline distribution partner in the UK. The deal is part of an existing agreement with Delta, which owns about half of Virgin. The partnership will offer a premium service that will take customers from local vertiports straight to airports. Vertiports are dedicated facilities where eVTOLs take off, land, and recharge.
Service expansion
Virgin Atlantic's future plans with Joby Aviation
Virgin Atlantic customers will soon be able to book seats on Joby's aircraft through the Virgin Atlantic app and website. The airline has promised to support Joby's market entry efforts in the UK by promoting the service, working with regulators, and helping in "building support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports." Initially, these eVTOLs will connect passengers from Virgin's hubs at London's Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Aircraft specifications
eVTOL aircraft: Design and operational capabilities
Joby's all-electric eVTOL aircraft, which comes with six rotors and five seats (including the pilot), can take off vertically like a helicopter. It then transitions into forward flight with the help of tilt rotors. The company claims its vehicles can reach speeds of up to 322km/h, cover 241km on a single battery charge, and operate at noise levels 100 times quieter than conventional aircraft.
Market challenges
Joby's ambitions and regulatory hurdles in the air taxi industry
Joby Aviation has said it hopes to launch an air taxi service in the US, UK, UAE, South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia. However, hurdles like safety regulations and airport designs have to be overcome before these services can become a reality. UK's Civil Aviation Authority is already looking into how airports would have to adapt for air taxi flights including charging facilities, air space, etc.