US based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Joby Aviation has applied to operate its 'air taxis' in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During an advanced air mobility (AAM) summit in Montreal, Canada, founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt met with theUAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) director general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi. There, Bevirt presented a letter of intent to initiate Joby's air operator certificate (AOC) application.
"There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks, delivering fast, clean and quiet journeys using our revolutionary aircraft," commented Bevirt.
The AOC is required to operate commercial air transport in the UAE. Joby will follow a five-stage application process that will see the company develop a full complement of air taxi operating manuals, undergo inspections of its UAE-based facilities, and complete GCAA observation of pilot and aircraft mechanic training as well as flight operation.
Joby completed a similar process in May 2022 to receive its US part 135 air carrier certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).