Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation Plan UK Electric Air Taxi Service
The partnership aims to launch zero-emission flights connecting airports and cities, pending regulatory approvals and certification.
- Virgin Atlantic has partnered with California-based Joby Aviation to introduce electric air taxis in the UK, focusing on airport connections at Heathrow and Manchester.
- The eVTOL aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot, offers speeds of up to 200 mph and zero emissions, with routes like Heathrow to Canary Wharf potentially taking 8 minutes.
- Passengers will be able to book flights through Virgin Atlantic's app and website, with pricing expected to align with premium ground transport options.
- Joby Aviation has yet to receive full regulatory certification in the UK, with the timeline for launch dependent on approvals and its planned market entry in the UAE and US.
- The initiative highlights the potential for faster, sustainable travel in the UK, though critics question its accessibility and impact on broader emissions reduction efforts.