Sonali Tiwary
Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic have announced a partnership to launch electric air taxi service in the United Kingdom, offering zero-emission flights that could dramatically reduce travel times between airports and city centers.
Partnership Details and Service Offering
California-based Joby Aviation, which develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will work with Virgin Atlantic to provide short-range air taxi services initially focused on Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at London Heathrow and Manchester airports.
The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. Under the new arrangement, Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s UK market entry through:
- Marketing the service to Virgin Atlantic customers
- Engaging with UK regulators alongside Joby
- Supporting the development of landing infrastructure at key airports
“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic. “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.”
Similar Posts
Aircraft Specifications and Performance
Joby’s electric air taxi features:
- Six tilting propellers enabling vertical takeoff/landing
- Capacity for one pilot and four passengers
- Maximum speed of 200 mph (322 km/h)
- Range of up to 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge
- Significantly reduced noise compared to helicopters
The aircraft has completed thousands of test flights, including demonstrations in New York City, Japan, and Korea. It’s designed for rapid, back-to-back flights on short routes.
Potential Routes and Time Savings
The service promises dramatic time savings on congested routes:
- Manchester Airport to Leeds: 15 minutes by air taxi versus 80 minutes by car
- Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf: 8 minutes by air taxi versus 80 minutes by car
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, commented: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and 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.”
Customer Experience and Pricing
Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to book seats on Joby’s aircraft through the airline’s app, website, and other channels, providing a seamless booking experience.
While no specific launch date has been announced, Joby indicates that pricing will be “comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch.”
Regulatory Status and Next Steps
Joby formally applied to have its aircraft validated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in July 2022. The company exhibited its aircraft for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.
Over time, Joby plans to build a network of landing locations across the UK to offer rapid travel between cities and communities.
Industry Context and Challenges
The eVTOL sector has seen consolidation in recent years, with Joby remaining one of the leading players advancing toward commercialization. The company secured $700 million in funding in late 2024, including investment from Toyota, to support certification and production efforts.
The timeline for commercial operations depends on regulatory approvals, infrastructure development, and manufacturing scale-up. Joby will also face competition from other mobility options, including potential future autonomous vehicles and existing premium transportation services.
For the service to succeed, Joby and Virgin Atlantic will need to:
- Complete the CAA certification process
- Develop a network of vertiports across the UK
- Scale production of aircraft
- Establish competitive pricing while maintaining economic viability
Environmental Impact
As an all-electric aircraft, Joby’s air taxi produces zero operating emissions, aligning with Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. The reduced noise pollution compared to helicopters also represents an environmental benefit, particularly for operations in urban areas.
