Joby Aviation has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to introduce its innovative air taxi service in the UK. This collaboration extends Joby's existing agreement with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, to launch the service in both the US and the UK. The initiative focuses on uniting brands committed to innovation, exceptional customer service, and industry transformation.
The partnership aims to offer seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s go-to-market efforts in the UK through marketing the service to their customers, engaging regulators alongside Joby and helping to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports.
Joby's electric air taxi is capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph, accommodating a pilot and four passengers. Through a new partnership, Virgin Atlantic customers can conveniently reserve a seat on one of Joby's aircraft via Virgin Atlantic's app, website, and other platforms.
Shai Weiss, the Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Atlantic, stated: “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 flights 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.”
“Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work within 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.”JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, said.
Joby's electric air taxi is equipped with six tilting propellers, enabling vertical takeoff and landing with significantly reduced noise compared to contemporary helicopters. It is engineered for rapid, frequent journeys and is intended to cover routes of up to 100 miles. Joby has conducted thousands of test flights, including impressive demonstrations in New York City, Japan, and Korea.
Travelling within the UK may soon involve taking a brief 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, rather than enduring an 80-minute drive. Joby intends to establish numerous landing sites to facilitate efficient and convenient travel between cities and communities throughout the UK. The company aims to price these flights comparably to the cost of a premium rideshare service upon their launch.
In 2022, Joby and Delta Air Lines revealed a strategic partnership spanning multiple cities, focusing on commercial and operational collaboration to innovate community-to-airport transportation services for customers. This exclusive Joby/Delta alliance will remain in effect across the United States and the United Kingdom for a minimum of five years following the commencement of commercial operations. Additionally, the partnership has been expanded to incorporate Virgin Atlantic in the UK.
Joby showcased its aircraft in the United Kingdom for the first time at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. In July 2022, the company announced the formal submission of an application for its aircraft to be validated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
