Dubai has marked a significant milestone in advanced urban transportation with the successful completion of the first-ever crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi flight between two separate locations in the UAE. This achievement, a partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation, reinforces the emirate’s ambition to become a global leader in innovative and sustainable mobility.
The groundbreaking flight departed from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, landing 17 minutes later at Al Maktoum International Airport. This successful operation firmly positions Dubai at the forefront of the global race to commercialise advanced aerial mobility.
A Landmark Flight for Urban Mobility
The demonstration flight validates the operational framework for aerial mobility and proves the system’s readiness for shared airspace. According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, this accomplishment initiates a new phase of integration for smart mobility systems across the emirate.
The vision for the service, set to launch commercially in 2026, promises to drastically reduce travel times. For instance, a 45-minute road journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could be cut to approximately 10 minutes. The service aims to integrate seamlessly with existing public transport and personal mobility solutions, creating a smooth multimodal experience for commuters.
Building the Infrastructure for 2026
Parallel to the flight tests, Dubai is rapidly developing the ground infrastructure required for aerial taxi operations. UK-based Skyports Infrastructure has completed 60 percent of the construction on the emirate’s first eVTOL vertiport near Dubai International Airport (DXB). This facility, the first of its kind globally, will serve as the cornerstone of the network and is designed to handle 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually.
To expand the network, the RTA has signed strategic agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group to establish three additional vertiports. These will be located at Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, and near the American University in Dubai Marina, creating an interconnected system linking key business, residential, and tourist hubs.
A Vision for a Future-Ready City
Mattar Al Tayer described the successful flight as a landmark moment reflecting the forward-thinking vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
“This solidifies Dubai’s position as the city of the future and a global hub for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions,” said Al Tayer. He added that the progress is aligned with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to establish the city as a global leader in mobility solutions that serve humanity.
The RTA’s collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) has established the regulatory and infrastructural readiness needed to adopt this technology at scale.
Joby Aviation’s Path to Commercial Operations
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, praised the collaborative environment in Dubai, stating that the team is “closer than ever” to making urban air transport a part of everyday life for residents and visitors.
Joby’s eVTOL aircraft is powered by six rotors and four battery packs, achieving a range of up to 160 kilometres and a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour. The all-electric aircraft produces zero emissions and operates significantly quieter than conventional helicopters, making it ideal for urban settings. It is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers.
The company is conducting ongoing flight testing and operational evaluations in Dubai to ensure the aircraft is certified for the region’s unique environmental conditions, including heat and wind, paving the way for the planned 2026 launch.
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service. The company’s mission is to save a billion people an hour a day through advanced aerial mobility. Joby has been working towards this goal for over a decade and has offices in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Marina, California, as well as Munich, Germany.
Source: Gulf Business
