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.