Flying in an electric air taxi will soon be an option for Uber users in Dubai, with the company set to debut the service later this year in partnership
with Joby Aviation, allowing riders to book short-haul flights directly through its app as part of a single, integrated journey.
Uber's Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal said the additional mode of transportation will make "ground-to-sky travel" effortless.
California-based Joby said it expects to begin carrying its first passengers in Dubai in 2026, as it moves towards commercial operations after years of testing.
The company has been developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed to carry up to four passengers and a pilot. The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and travel about 100 miles on a single charge.
Uber and Joby have partnered since 2019 to develop air taxi networks, with Joby acquiring Uber’s Elevate division in 2021 to strengthen its urban air mobility capabilities.
The two hope to introduce air taxi operations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo, subject to regulatory approvals.
Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer at Joby said, “Our focus has always been on creating a flight experience that operates quietly and integrates naturally into the rhythm of city life."
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In the US, Joby must secure certification from the Federal Aviation Administration before launching commercial passenger flights. The company said it has completed more than 50,000 miles of test flights and is in the final stages of the approval process.
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