Joby Aviation Inc. is gearing up to roll out its flying taxi service in Dubai before any other location, including its native base in the US. Bonny Simi, the President of Operations at Joby, revealed in an interview that the startups collaboration with the Gulf emirate, announced earlier this year, is progressing more swiftly compared to other regions. As a result, Dubai will likely witness the first launch of Jobys air-taxi services.The company had outlined its plans in February, targeting the commencement of initial operations by 2025 in Dubai, where it secured a six-year exclusive agreement to operate electric air-taxi services, with commercial services slated for early 2026. Simi indicated that this milestone could potentially be achieved by late 2025, showcasing the rapid pace of progress.Dubais government has extended significant economic support, while regulators have allocated dedicated resources to facilitate Jobys operations, aiming to eliminate obstacles and ensure a swift and safe rollout. Simi highlighted that this support plays a crucial role in mitigating financial risks associated with the initial launch.Jobys initial strategy involves establishing four vertiports across Dubai for its electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These vertiport locations include strategic areas such as Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, downtown Dubai near the iconic Burj Khalifa tower, and the citys bustling marina.In a competitive landscape, rival company Archer Aviation Inc. inked a preliminary deal last year with Abu Dhabis government, eyeing manufacturing and service launch by 2026. While Joby holds exclusivity for flights within Dubai, Archers plans extend to operating flights between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as across the broader United Arab Emirates.Several other players in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market have also set their sights on the Gulf states lucrative market. Companies like Lilium NV, Embraer SAs Eve Air Mobility, and Volocopter GmbH have signed agreements in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or both, signaling a growing interest and investment in the regions aviation sector.
