Joby Aviation, Inc. has applied to become the first certified air taxi operator in the UAE. The US-based company made the announcement at the Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, Canada, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The air operator certificate is issued by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and is required to operate commercial air transport in the country. Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, met with Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA director General, to submit the application.
Joby will undergo a five-stage application process in which they will complete air taxi operating manuals, inspections of UAE-based facilities, and GCAA observations of pilot and aircraft mechanic training and flight operations. The company had previously completed a similar process to receive its US Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, significantly reducing travel times compared to traditional modes of transportation.
Joby is working towards establishing one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks in the UAE. The company has partnered with various entities in the UAE, including the GCAA, to introduce fast, clean, and quiet air travel options. In February, Joby signed an agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the city, and in April, a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with various Abu Dhabi government departments. These partnerships showcase the UAE’s commitment to embracing advanced air mobility solutions and becoming a global leader in eVTOL operations.
The GCAA director General, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, highlighted the significance of Joby Aviation’s operator certificate application in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a global leader in eVTOL operations. The UAE is ready to support these advanced technologies and aims to foster advanced air mobility solutions that will shape the future of transportation in the region and beyond. Meanwhile, Archer Aviation, another US-based company, has conducted over 400 test flights of its aircraft ‘Midnight’ in preparation for its launch next year, surpassing its testing target ahead of schedule.
Air taxi services are expected to be available in the UAE in 2025. With Joby Aviation leading the way in applying for the first certified air taxi operator status and other companies like Archer Aviation making significant progress, the UAE is poised to become a hub for advanced air mobility solutions. As partnerships and agreements continue to be established, the future of transportation in the UAE looks set to be revolutionized by clean, fast, and efficient electric air taxis. In embracing these innovative technologies, the UAE is taking proactive steps towards shaping the future of transportation and establishing itself as a global leader in the field of eVTOL operations.
