Key facts
- Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation have partnered to offer air taxi services in the UK.
- The service aims to reduce travel time between London Heathrow Airport and central London to approximately 8 minutes.
- The cost of an air taxi ride is expected to be comparable to an Uber Black, with estimates between $130 and $160 for the Heathrow to central London route.
- Customers will be able to book these rides through Virgin Atlantic's app or website.
- The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is working towards certifying eVTOLs for commercial passenger use by the end of 2028.
Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation have announced a partnership to introduce air taxi services in the United Kingdom. The collaboration aims to provide passengers with a rapid transit option between airports and city centers, potentially cutting travel times significantly. Customers will be able to book these flights, utilizing Joby's electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft, through Virgin Atlantic's digital platforms.
According to Joby's president of operations, Bonny Simi, the cost for a seat on these air taxis is expected to be comparable to premium ride-sharing services like Uber Black. For the journey between London Heathrow Airport and central London, the estimated cost ranges from $130 to $160, a trip that typically takes over an hour by car but could be completed in about 8 minutes by air taxi.
The service is also slated for launch at Manchester Airport, with potential routes connecting to cities such as Leeds. Joby's eVTOL aircraft are designed for quiet operation and can cover distances up to 100 miles. This initiative builds on a previous partnership between the two companies and aligns with a similar agreement Joby has with Delta Air Lines. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is working towards certifying eVTOLs for commercial passenger operations by the end of 2028.