Santa Cruz, CA, and London, UK — March 16, 2025 – Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a California-based leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic, the UK’s premier long-haul airline, to introduce a revolutionary electric air taxi service across the UK. This collaboration aims to transform urban mobility, offering sustainable, emissions-free travel and enhanced connectivity for Virgin Atlantic customers.

The partnership leverages Joby’s advanced eVTOL technology and Virgin Atlantic’s extensive market reach to provide short-range, zero-emission journeys between major UK cities and airports. The first phase will target key hubs, including Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, with plans to expand to additional locations as infrastructure and demand grow.

“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.

Expanding urban air mobility with strategic partnerships

The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. The Delta-Joby collaboration, announced in 2022, was designed to develop community-to-airport transportation services in the United States. Extending this agreement to the UK represents a significant step in Joby’s global expansion strategy.

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft is engineered to provide rapid, point-to-point travel, drastically reducing travel times compared to conventional road transport. The aircraft can carry up to four passengers and one pilot at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), with a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge.

“Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta, and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.

The agreement positions Virgin Atlantic as a key player in the development of an advanced air mobility (AAM) network in the UK, supporting Joby’s efforts to secure regulatory approvals and establish the necessary landing infrastructure at airports and urban centers.

How Joby’s eVTOL technology works

Joby’s electric air taxi features six tilting propellers that enable vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, similar to a helicopter but with significantly less noise and greater energy efficiency. The aircraft is designed for quick turnarounds between flights, supporting high-frequency operations in urban settings.

✅ Noise reduction – The aircraft operates at just 65 dB during takeoff and landing, comparable to a normal conversation.

✅ Efficiency and range – Powered by a high-density battery system, the aircraft achieves a range of up to 100 miles (160 km).

✅ Sustainability – As a fully electric aircraft, Joby’s eVTOL produces zero emissions during operation, contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon footprints.

➡️ Learn more about Joby’s eVTOL technology

Transforming short-haul travel in the UK

The potential benefits of Joby’s eVTOL network are significant:

• Heathrow to Canary Wharf – An 8-minute flight compared to 80 minutes by car.

• Manchester Airport to Leeds – A 15-minute flight compared to a 90-minute car journey.

• Greater connectivity – Enhanced links between airports, business hubs, and residential areas.

The air taxi service is expected to be competitively priced, with initial fares projected to align with premium ground-based ridesharing options.

➡️ Learn more about urban air mobility

Regulatory progress and infrastructure development

Joby made a significant breakthrough in July 2022 when it formally applied for type certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The certification process, which evaluates the aircraft’s airworthiness and operational safety, is expected to conclude by 2026.

Virgin Atlantic will play a key role in helping Joby secure regulatory approvals and engage with local authorities to build the necessary vertiport infrastructure. This includes:

• Developing dedicated takeoff and landing zones at major airports and urban centers.

• Integrating air taxi services into existing transportation networks.

• Establishing passenger handling procedures and safety protocols.

➡️ UK Civil Aviation Authority

Building a network for the future

Joby’s strategy involves creating a dense network of vertiports across the UK, enabling fast and efficient travel between cities and suburbs. The company has already completed thousands of test flights, including high-profile demonstration flights in New York City, Japan, and South Korea.

At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, Joby unveiled its eVTOL aircraft to the UK public for the first time, generating significant interest from potential partners and customers.

➡️ Farnborough International Airshow

Competitive landscape and market potential

The global eVTOL market is expected to reach $30 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for sustainable urban transportation. Competitors such as Archer Aviation, Lilium, and Vertical Aerospace are also advancing their eVTOL programs, but Joby’s first-mover advantage and established partnerships position it strongly in the market.

According to a 2024 report by Morgan Stanley, the eVTOL sector could handle up to 1 billion passenger trips annually by 2040, generating more than $50 billion in annual revenue.

➡️ Morgan Stanley eVTOL market report

Future outlook

Joby and Virgin Atlantic’s partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of urban air mobility. With the first commercial flights expected by 2026, the service could reshape the UK’s transportation landscape, reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing regional connectivity.

The collaboration between Joby and Virgin Atlantic reflects a broader trend toward sustainable, high-speed urban transport — a key step toward the realization of a more connected, efficient, and environmentally conscious future.

Source: jobyaviation.com