Virgin Atlantic Partners with Joby Aviation to Launch Electric Air Taxi Service in the UK

Joby Aviation, a California-based pioneer in electric air taxis, has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to bring its revolutionary air taxi service to the UK. The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between Joby and Delta Air Lines—Virgin Atlantic’s majority shareholder (49%)—and reinforces the commitment of both companies to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service.The partnership will focus on providing seamless, zero-emission, short-range air travel across the UK, initially connecting Virgin Atlantic’s key hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports with surrounding regions and cities. Virgin Atlantic will help introduce the service to UK consumers by marketing it through its app, website, and other channels, while also working with regulators and supporting the development of landing infrastructure at major airports.Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve seats on Joby’s aircraft through Virgin’s platforms.“A Leap in Sustainable Air Travel”Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “As a leader in sustainability and innovation, we are excited to work with Joby to introduce short-haul, zero-emission flights across the UK. This collaboration combines Joby’s cutting-edge technology with Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning customer experience. We’re thrilled to provide enhanced connectivity and convenience for our customers.”JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to customer satisfaction mirrors our own, and we are proud to extend our partnership to the UK. Together, we will offer faster and more sustainable mobility options, benefiting both Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they travel to airports or commute between cities.”A Revolutionary Travel ExperienceJoby’s electric air taxi uses six tilting propellers, allowing it to take off and land vertically with minimal noise compared to conventional helicopters. The aircraft is optimized for quick, back-to-back flights, with a range of up to 100 miles. Joby has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibitions in New York City, Japan, and South Korea.Once operational, the service could offer transformative journeys, such as a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds or an 8-minute trip from Heathrow to Canary Wharf—cutting travel times drastically compared to traditional ground transportation. Joby plans to establish a network of landing locations throughout the UK, providing rapid and convenient travel options for residents and visitors alike.At launch, the air taxi service is expected to offer prices competitive with existing premium ridesharing options. Over time, the company aims to expand its network and provide additional urban connectivity, ultimately making short-range air travel more accessible.Strengthening Partnerships for the FutureIn 2022, Joby and Delta announced a groundbreaking partnership to offer community-to-airport transportation in both the US and UK. While this agreement remains exclusive across the two countries for five years, the extension to include Virgin Atlantic further solidifies the brands’ shared vision for revolutionizing air travel.Joby also showcased its aircraft at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, and in 2022, the company formally applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).As electric air taxis become an integral part of the future of transportation, this collaboration between Virgin Atlantic and Joby represents a significant step forward in providing fast, sustainable, and innovative travel solutions.