UK Air Taxis: Joby-Virgin Atlantic Electric Air Taxi Partnership Revealed

Sonali Tiwary

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic have partnered to launch electric air taxi services in the UK, potentially transforming airport commutes.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

The six-propeller aircraft can reach speeds of 200 mph while producing zero emissions during flight.

Photo Source: Bokenoet (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Representative Image.

An 80-minute car journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf could be reduced to just 8 minutes by air taxi.

Photo Source: Josh Hallett (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Representative Image.

Manchester Airport to Leeds? Forget the 80-minute drive – electric air taxis promise to get you there in 15 minutes.

Photo Source: Mili99 (CC BY 3.0)

Representative Image.

Each air taxi will carry one pilot plus four passengers, with a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge.

Photo Source: APK (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Representative Image.

"We are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country," says JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.

Photo Source: SuFlyer (CC0 1.0)

Virgin Atlantic will support Joby by marketing the service to its customers and helping develop landing infrastructure at key airports.

Photo Source: Alan Wilson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Representative Image.

The electric aircraft produces significantly less noise than traditional helicopters, making urban operations more feasible.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to book air taxi seats through the airline's app, website, and other channels.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

How much will it cost? Joby expects pricing "comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options" at launch.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

Joby formally applied for UK Civil Aviation Authority validation in July 2022, a crucial step toward commercial operations.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

The partnership builds on Joby's existing agreement with Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)

Joby exhibited its aircraft in the UK for the first time at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.

Photo Source: Tony Harrison (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Representative Image.

The company secured $700 million in funding in late 2024, including investment from Toyota, to support certification and production efforts.

Photo Source: Joby Aviation (X)