Uber is set to launch a cutting-edge air taxi service in Dubai later this year in collaboration with Joby Aviation. This initiative, named Uber Air powered by Joby, promises a revolutionary mode of transportation that will take to the skies above the bustling city, offering residents and visitors a novel commuting experience.
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The upcoming air taxi service will operate electric vehicles designed to transport up to four passengers, travelling at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Passengers can expect comfortable seating and large windows providing expansive views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Additionally, the vehicles will be equipped to accommodate luggage, making this service practical for both business travellers and tourists.
Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Chief Product Officer, expressed his excitement about the potential of air mobility to transform urban travel. In a recent announcement, he stated, “We’ve long believed in the power of advanced air mobility to transform how people move through cities. With Uber Air, riders will be able to book Joby’s electric air taxi through a simple and familiar, one-tap experience on Uber, seamlessly connecting every leg of their journey — making ground-to-sky travel even more effortless.”
The collaboration between Uber and Joby Aviation began in 2019, and in 2021, Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division, which was focused on urban air mobility. Joby’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Allison, highlighted the company’s goal of reshaping urban transport by establishing a new layer of mobility that integrates smoothly with existing city life. He noted, “Our focus has always been on creating a flight experience that operates quietly and integrates naturally into the rhythm of city life.”
These innovative air taxis will employ six tilting propellers to enable vertical take-off and landing while transitioning to forward flight. One of the standout features of the service is the design’s low noise profile, allowing the taxis to operate without contributing to the din typically associated with urban environments. According to Joby, the taxis have a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge, which aligns closely with typical urban travel requirements.
Planned locations for the air taxi service in Dubai include high-traffic areas: Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, and Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, as well as the American University of Dubai. To facilitate this service, Uber and Joby plan to construct four dedicated “vertiports” in these strategic locations, making it easy for passengers to access the air taxis from points of interest around the city.
The financial model for passengers appears to align with existing Uber services, such as Uber Black. While exact pricing details are yet to be finalised, it has been indicated that the air taxi service will offer all-inclusive, per-passenger upfront pricing that is accessible through the Uber app. More information regarding fares and booking will be provided as the launch date approaches.
According to their announced timeline, Uber and Joby intend to commence passenger operations before the year concludes. Joby has secured an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, positioning it as the sole air taxi provider for the city during this period.
While the service gears up for its high-flying debut in Dubai, Joby is also focused on the necessary safety regulations and certifications required for the U.S. market by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company has reportedly logged over 50,000 miles of rigorous flight tests on its aircraft, ensuring a commitment to safety and efficiency as it prepares for expansion.
With ambitions to introduce air taxis in major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Japan, Joby is paving the way for a new era of transportation that aims to bring the future of urban commutes into reality. As air mobility continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the launch of Uber Air in Dubai, offering a glimpse into the future of city travel.