Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic partner to launch electric air taxis in the UK

Core Insights - Joby Aviation is partnering with Virgin Atlantic to launch electric air taxis in the U.K., marking its entry into the seventh country for potential commercialization [1] - Joby aims to begin market testing in Dubai by late 2023 or early 2024, with plans for a commercial service in the U.S. by 2025, although timelines may shift due to certification processes [2] - Joby is close to receiving type certification for its eVTOL aircraft, but an updated timeline for U.K. certification is not available [3] Partnership Details - The partnership with Virgin Atlantic makes Joby the exclusive airline distribution partner in the U.K., complementing its existing deal with Delta in the U.S. and U.K. [4] - Joby's collaboration with Virgin will create a network of landing sites starting from Heathrow and Manchester Airport, similar to the service offered through its deal with Delta [5][6] - Virgin Atlantic will assist Joby in marketing the service, working with regulators, and developing landing infrastructure at key airports [8] Financial Aspects - Delta has invested $60 million in Joby, with an option for an additional$200 million based on performance, while the Virgin deal does not include an investment component [7] Operational Insights - Joby's eVTOL aircraft is designed to carry a pilot, four passengers, and luggage, with a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour, enabling quick travel between cities [8] - Joby has plans for air taxi services in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., UAE, South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia [9]