Joby Aviation is set to bring its electric air taxi service to the United Kingdom through a new partnership with Virgin Atlantic.
The collaboration aims to enhance short-range urban and regional travel, offering passengers a seamless, zero-emission alternative to traditional ground transportation.
This strategic partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. The alliance aligns three brands known for their commitment to innovation and customer service, strengthening Joby’s expansion into both the U.S. and UK markets.
Under this agreement, Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s entry into the UK by marketing the service to its customers, assisting with regulatory engagement, and helping to develop the necessary landing infrastructure at key airports. Initial operations will focus on connecting regional hubs and major cities, with planned services from Virgin Atlantic’s key locations, including Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said, “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. Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, commented, “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. Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. The aircraft features six tilting propellers, enabling vertical takeoff and landing while operating at a fraction of the noise level of conventional helicopters. With an expected range of up to 100 miles, Joby’s air taxi is optimized for high-frequency operations, ensuring rapid turnaround times between flights. The company has already conducted thousands of test flights, including demonstrations in New York City, Japan, and Korea.
Potential routes in the UK could include an 8-minute flight from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf—compared to an 80-minute journey by car—or a 15-minute trip from Manchester Airport to Leeds. Over time, Joby aims to develop an extensive network of landing sites to facilitate fast, convenient travel across urban centers and regional communities. The company plans to offer pricing comparable to premium rideshare services at launch, making aerial mobility a viable option for a broad range of passengers.
Through this partnership, Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic are poised to redefine air travel in the UK, delivering a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional transportation.
