Joby Aviation Inc (NYSE:JOBY) is bringing its electric air taxis to the UK through a new partnership with Virgin Atlantic. The deal will see the companies work together to launch zero-emission, short-range flights connecting cities and airports, starting with Heathrow and Manchester.
Virgin Atlantic will help promote the service, engage with regulators, and support landing infrastructure development. Customers will be able to book Joby’s aircraft directly through Virgin Atlantic’s website and app.
Joby’s air taxi, which seats four passengers and a pilot, can hit 200 mph and is much quieter than a helicopter. It’s designed for short-haul flights, slashing travel times - for example, cutting the journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf to just 8 minutes.
Joby has already completed thousands of test flights worldwide and is working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to get approval. The company, which already has a major partnership with Delta Air Lines, expects to launch with fares similar to premium ground ridesharing options.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss called the partnership a game-changer for UK travel, while Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said they are committed to offering faster, cleaner transport across the country.