Joby and Virgin Atlantic Partner to Bring Electric Air Taxi Service to the UK
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a pioneering California-based company at the forefront of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Virgin Atlantic, one of the UK’s most prominent premium long-haul airlines. This collaboration is set to usher in a new era of sustainable, short-range air travel in the UK, further reinforcing the commitment of both companies to innovation, customer service, and sustainability.
A Partnership Built on Innovation and Sustainability
The newly established partnership between Joby and Virgin Atlantic is a significant extension of Joby’s existing agreement with Delta Air Lines. Delta, which holds a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic, has already been working closely with Joby to introduce electric air taxi services in the United States. By bringing Virgin Atlantic into the fold, the collaboration now expands into the UK market, positioning Joby’s electric air taxis as a revolutionary alternative to traditional urban and regional transportation.
The initiative aims to offer seamless, zero-emission air travel across the UK, with an initial focus on connecting key regional hubs and major cities, including routes to and from Virgin Atlantic’s bases at London Heathrow and Manchester Airport. With sustainability at the core of both companies’ missions, the introduction of electric air taxis will contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of short-haul air travel while offering passengers an innovative, time-saving mode of transport.
Transforming Urban and Regional Connectivity
Joby’s state-of-the-art electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. The aircraft’s vertical takeoff and landing capability, combined with its near-silent operation, makes it a highly practical solution for urban and suburban travel. Under this partnership, Virgin Atlantic customers will have the opportunity to book Joby’s air taxi service seamlessly through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website, and other customer engagement channels.
The benefits of this service go beyond luxury and convenience—it offers a significant reduction in travel times compared to conventional ground transportation. For example:
- A flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds could take just 15 minutes, compared to the often congested road journey that can take well over an hour.
- A trip from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf could be reduced to just 8 minutes, dramatically improving accessibility to London’s financial district compared to the typical 80-minute car journey.
Such efficient, zero-emission travel options align with both Joby’s and Virgin Atlantic’s long-term sustainability goals, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport while enhancing connectivity between urban centers.
Strategic Role of Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s involvement in this partnership extends beyond branding and customer service. The airline will play a crucial role in supporting Joby’s entry into the UK market by actively engaging with aviation regulators, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to ensure a smooth certification and operational approval process. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic will assist in developing the necessary infrastructure for Joby’s eVTOL operations, including dedicated landing sites at major airports and other key locations across the UK.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
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. 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 Technological Edge and Progress in the UK
Joby’s electric air taxi is equipped with six tilting propellers that enable vertical takeoff and landing while minimizing noise pollution—an important factor for operations in densely populated urban areas. The aircraft is optimized for high-frequency, short-haul routes, with an expected range of up to 100 miles per charge.
The company has already completed thousands of successful test flights, including high-profile demonstrations in New York City, Japan, and Korea. Joby’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance is evident in its ongoing engagement with aviation authorities. In July 2022, Joby formally applied to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to validate its aircraft for operations in the UK, marking a crucial step toward commercial deployment.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, highlighted the synergy between Joby, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic, stating:
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.”
The Future of Air Mobility in the UK
The introduction of electric air taxis is expected to transform the way people travel within and between cities, offering an alternative to congested roads and slow public transport systems. As Joby continues to expand its network of landing locations across the UK, passengers will benefit from increased accessibility, reduced travel times, and a seamless integration with existing airline networks.
One of the key aspects of this partnership is affordability. Joby aims to offer pricing that is competitive with existing premium ground transportation services, making electric air taxis a viable option for a broad range of travelers rather than just a luxury niche.
Building a Sustainable and Efficient Air Taxi Network
Joby’s long-term vision involves creating an extensive eVTOL network that will facilitate rapid and efficient travel within cities and across regions. The company is actively working with stakeholders, including local governments and private sector partners, to identify optimal locations for takeoff and landing infrastructure. This effort will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth rollout of the service and encouraging widespread adoption.
At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, Joby showcased its cutting-edge aircraft to the UK public for the first time. This demonstration provided a glimpse into the future of air mobility, generating excitement among industry professionals, regulators, and potential customers alike.
The partnership between Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic marks a major milestone in the evolution of urban air mobility in the UK. By leveraging Joby’s pioneering electric air taxi technology and Virgin Atlantic’s established presence in the aviation industry, the collaboration is set to deliver a faster, more convenient, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional transportation. As the service moves closer to launch, travelers can look forward to a future where air taxis become a common and reliable mode of transport, seamlessly connecting cities and airports while reducing carbon emissions.
For media assets, including photos, videos, and route illustrations of Joby’s aircraft in the UK, interested parties can access Joby’s official media resources.
This partnership is just the beginning of a new chapter in air travel, one that promises to reshape the way people move within the UK and beyond.
