Virgin Atlantic is teaming up with California-based Joby Aviation to introduce an air taxi service in the UK, marking a significant step towards the future of urban air mobility. This collaboration aims to bring electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to British skies, offering a faster and more sustainable travel method.
A new era of air travel
Joby’s aircraft is fully electric, equipped with six rotors, and can carry up to five people, including the pilot. The innovative design allows it to take off vertically, like a helicopter, before transitioning into forward flight using tilt rotors. With a top speed of 200 mph and a range of 150 miles per battery charge, Joby claims its aircraft is 100 times quieter than conventional planes, making it ideal for urban environments.
Under this partnership, passengers can book flights on Joby’s air taxis through Virgin Atlantic’s website and mobile app. The aircraft will feature Joby and Virgin Atlantic branding, reinforcing their joint commitment to revolutionising air travel. However, the UK launch depends on Joby obtaining type certification, ensuring the aircraft meets all safety and design standards set by aviation authorities. Joby will only bring its air taxis to the UK after securing this approval and successfully launching its US-based service.
Overcoming challenges for air taxis
Despite the excitement surrounding this innovation, air taxi services must overcome several hurdles before they become a common mode of transport. Safety regulations, infrastructure requirements, and air traffic management must be addressed. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing how airports must adapt, considering factors such as charging stations and airspace management for these new aircraft.
The vision for air taxis in the UK includes 15-minute flights between Manchester Airport and Leeds and 8-minute journeys from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf. Joby is developing a network of landing sites nationwide and aims to offer fares comparable to premium ground-based ride-sharing options. This would provide an efficient alternative to congested roads, reducing travel time significantly for commuters and business travellers.
Growing interest in electric air taxis
Virgin Atlantic is not the first airline to collaborate with Joby. In 2022, Delta Air Lines invested US$200 million in the startup, and last year, Toyota committed US$500 million to support its development. Delta, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, is helping to drive Joby’s expansion. However, Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it is not making a financial investment in Joby as part of this partnership.
Joby is not the only company working on air taxis. Other firms, including Archer Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies, are also racing to launch services. While some have made significant progress, others have faced setbacks. German company Lilium recently announced financial difficulties, with two subsidiaries becoming insolvent.
Joby is progressing rapidly in the US, having completed four of the five stages required for commercial passenger service. The company expects to begin carrying passengers by late 2024 or early 2025. It has also delivered a second aircraft to the US Air Force as part of a testing agreement, further proving its capabilities.
A boost for Joby came when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released long-awaited regulations for eVTOL aircraft, outlining a path for their certification and commercial operation. However, uncertainties remain, as the FAA has paused the rollout of these rules for further review, which could impact Joby’s planned launch timeline beyond its 2025 target.
As the race to launch air taxis continues, Joby and Virgin Atlantic are positioning themselves as key players in shaping the future of urban transport. If successful, this partnership could revolutionise how people travel in the UK, offering a faster and greener alternative to traditional transport methods.
