Virgin Atlantic has entered a partnership with California-based electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation, that will see the companies partner on the launch of Joby’s air taxi service in the UK.
This new partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines – which owns a 49% in Virgin Atlantic – to launch services in the US and the UK. Delta invested $60 million upfront in Joby, with the potential to increase its total investment to $200 million.
With this new partnership, Joby will aim to offer 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 also support Joby’s go-to-market efforts in the UK.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. The company said an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf in one if its air taxis would replace the current 80-minute journey by car.
“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.
Since launching, the air taxi developer has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea.
Joby applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in July 2022.