Airline Virgin Atlantic is to be the launch operator for Joby’s eVTOL aircraft in the UK and will offer air taxi flights for its long-haul passengers from airports to onward destinations
Joby’s battery-powered, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft has a range of 100 miles (160km), a top speed of 200mph (320km/h), and is around 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter.
Initial operations will be short-range regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Joby said these could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car.
Over time, Joby said it expects to build out a network of landing locations around cities and communities throughout the UK, offering trips at prices comparable to existing “premium ground ridesharing options”.
Joby recently confirmed it expects to complete flight testing this year The California, USA-based company plans to deliver an aircraft to Dubai by July 2025 and for the first passengers to be traveling on its eVTOLs in late 2025 or early 2026.
The deal with Virgin Atlantic builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines – which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic – to launch services in the US and UK.
As part of the partnership with Joby, Virgin Atlantic will market the air taxi service to their customers, engage with regulators, and help to build support for the eVTOL aircraft landing infrastructure at the airports. Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website, and other channels.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby said, “We couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK. Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic said, “We are delighted to partner with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to airports and cities throughout the UK.
“Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
Joby’s electric air taxi uses six tilting propellers and is designed for rapid, back-to-back flights on routes of up to 100 miles. Joby has conducted exhibition flights in New York City, Japan, and Korea.
Joby and Delta Air Lines’ multi-city, commercial, and operational five-year deal was announced in 2022.
