Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation Partner to Launch Air Taxi Services in the UK

The collaboration aims to introduce zero-emission electric air taxis connecting airports and cities, pending regulatory approvals.

Joby Aviation's eVTOL aircraft will serve as the backbone of Virgin Atlantic's planned air taxi network in the UK, connecting hubs like Heathrow and Manchester airports to nearby cities and regions.
The service promises significantly reduced travel times, such as an 8-minute flight from Heathrow to Canary Wharf compared to an 80-minute car journey, with fares expected to be comparable to premium ridesharing options.
Virgin Atlantic will assist in marketing the service, supporting regulatory engagement, and helping develop landing infrastructure, known as vertiports, at key locations.
The launch is contingent on regulatory approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with Joby already pursuing certification since 2022 and aiming to follow launches in the US and UAE.
This partnership replaces Virgin's previous collaboration with Vertical Aerospace and aligns with Joby's broader ambitions to expand air taxi services globally, including in South Korea, Japan, and Australia.