Photo: Joby Aviation
Dubai, one of the world's most famous locations for tourists who like to spend their money on extravagant luxuries, is about to get even more exotic. The Californian Joby Aviation began construction on its first vertiport in this location, part of a wider network that will connect to the existing multimodal transport network.
Dubai is an attractive market for all AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) players, from eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) makers to infrastructure developers. Joby took the lion's share when it secured an exclusive access agreement at the beginning of this year. The Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) granted Joby exclusive access to the local air taxi market for six years. Another major partner in this project is Skyports, a leading infrastructure developer that will build Joby's network of vertiports.
The first one that's coming to life is located at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The other three in the network will also be built at strategic locations such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
What is known so far about the first vertiport is that it's a three-story facility unfolding over 3,100 square meters (33,368 square feet), which will house two takeoff and landing stands. The Joby air taxis operating here will be charged through the in-house designed Global Electric Aviation Charging System ("GEACS"). As previously mentioned, it won't be an isolating experience. The vertiport will be connected to all the major transport modes in Dubai, including the airport, Dubai Metro's Emirates Station 2, ground transport options, and the existing parking infrastructure.
The goal is to provide passengers with a seamless transport experience. Air taxi operations promise a hassle-free, emission-free, faster trip to the main locations in Dubai. For instance, it will take just ten minutes to get from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, compared to the standard 45-minute car trip (not to mention the difference in terms of the environmental impact).
The best part is that we're not talking about a long-term vision. The AAM industry has reached a point where it's ready to fulfill the previous promises. The Californian eVTOL maker is set to officially launch its air taxi service in Dubai in late 2025. In the meantime, it's also working on becoming a certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Earlier this year, Joby's air taxi was on display for the first time in Abu Dhabi during the DRIFTx event at Yas Marina. It was the perfect occasion for Joby to sign a memorandum with the local transport authorities for air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi, a natural addition to its ongoing plans for Dubai. Soon enough, tourists will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes instead of two hours (at rush hour), thanks to the Joby eVTOL.
The first one that's coming to life is located at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The other three in the network will also be built at strategic locations such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
What is known so far about the first vertiport is that it's a three-story facility unfolding over 3,100 square meters (33,368 square feet), which will house two takeoff and landing stands. The Joby air taxis operating here will be charged through the in-house designed Global Electric Aviation Charging System ("GEACS"). As previously mentioned, it won't be an isolating experience. The vertiport will be connected to all the major transport modes in Dubai, including the airport, Dubai Metro's Emirates Station 2, ground transport options, and the existing parking infrastructure.
The goal is to provide passengers with a seamless transport experience. Air taxi operations promise a hassle-free, emission-free, faster trip to the main locations in Dubai. For instance, it will take just ten minutes to get from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, compared to the standard 45-minute car trip (not to mention the difference in terms of the environmental impact).
The best part is that we're not talking about a long-term vision. The AAM industry has reached a point where it's ready to fulfill the previous promises. The Californian eVTOL maker is set to officially launch its air taxi service in Dubai in late 2025. In the meantime, it's also working on becoming a certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Earlier this year, Joby's air taxi was on display for the first time in Abu Dhabi during the DRIFTx event at Yas Marina. It was the perfect occasion for Joby to sign a memorandum with the local transport authorities for air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi, a natural addition to its ongoing plans for Dubai. Soon enough, tourists will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes instead of two hours (at rush hour), thanks to the Joby eVTOL.
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