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.
Airbus Helicopters has recently announced the suspension of its CityAirbus NextGen electric air taxi project, following the completion of its current test flight campaign. This strategic move, revealed after a thorough review at the end of 2024, highlights the challenges the manufacturer faces in bringing the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft to market.
Toyota is further strengthening its relationship with Joby Aviation which is developing electric air taxis with a new investment of $500 million. The funding is intended to help the company manufacture commercial eVTOL aircraft and obtain the necessary aviation certification to enable Joby to launch its air taxi service in 2025.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban air mobility, a select group of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturers have emerged as frontrunners, not just in technological innovation, but in their ability to attract substantial investment. These companies are poised to revolutionize short-distance air travel, promising a future where city-dwellers can soar above traffic congestion in electric air taxis.
The Dutch company, Electron Aviation, is making a bold promise that is set to disrupt the transportation industry as we know it. In the near future, the price of a train ticket could suffice for a seat in an electric air taxi. This means that instead of spending countless hours in trains traversing land, you could be whizzing through the air, saving valuable time while keeping an eye on your carbon footprint.
The company announced the creation of Supernal, a company that aims to develop electric flying vehicles for the future. Supernal will continue to develop a concept car, the S-A1, and plans to produce the first models as early as 2024, although they will have to pass certain tests and obtain certification from the authorities before they can be sold.
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