In a pioneering move towards sustainable urban air mobility, Virgin Atlantic has announced a strategic partnership with California-based Joby Aviation to introduce electric air taxi services across the United Kingdom. This collaboration aims to deliver zero-emission, short-haul flights, enhancing connectivity between regional hubs and city centres.
Initial operations are planned from major airports such as Heathrow and Manchester, offering swift transfers to urban locations like Canary Wharf and Leeds. For instance, a journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf could be reduced to approximately eight minutes, a significant decrease from traditional travel times.
Cutting-edge aircraft design for faster, quieter urban transport
Joby’s electric air taxi is engineered to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph and covering distances of up to 100 miles on a single charge. The aircraft employs six tilting propellers, enabling vertical take-offs and landings while operating at noise levels substantially lower than conventional helicopters. “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,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Through this partnership, Virgin Atlantic customers will have the convenience of booking air taxi seats directly via the airline’s digital platforms. The service is anticipated to be competitively priced, aligning with existing premium ground transportation options.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, remarked, “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.”
Regulatory approvals and infrastructure development in progress
The successful implementation of this service is contingent upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from aviation authorities and developing suitable infrastructure, such as ‘vertiports’ equipped with charging facilities. Both companies are actively engaging with regulators and stakeholders to address these requirements.
UK at the vanguard of urban air mobility
As reported by Travel Tomorrow in March 2024, the UK government has been proactive in exploring advanced air mobility solutions. Reports indicated that flying taxis, primarily electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, could become operational in the UK by 2026. The government’s Future of Flight action plan highlighted the potential of drones and autonomous flight technologies, aiming to address certification challenges and public acceptance. Initiatives included allowing drones to operate beyond the operator’s line of sight and focusing on public-serving activities, such as medical supply deliveries, to integrate these technologies into daily life.
This partnership between Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation aligns with the UK’s strategic vision to embrace innovative transportation solutions, potentially transforming urban mobility and reducing congestion in major cities.
