Virgin Atlantic Partners with Joby for UK Electric Air Taxi Service

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. & LONDON — Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a California-based company specializing in electric air taxis, announced a strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic on March 16, 2025. This collaboration marks a significant step towards launching a revolutionary air taxi service in the UK, aiming to provide zero-emission flights connecting regional and urban destinations.

The venture is set to begin with routes originating from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports, targeting short-range journeys across the UK. Joby and Virgin Atlantic are building on an existing agreement with Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, to offer innovative travel solutions.

“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are excited to collaborate with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to UK cities and airports,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic. “This strategic partnership blends Joby’s technological expertise with Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to award-winning customer service.”

Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi is expected to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, achieving speeds of up to 200 mph. The partnership extends the convenience of booking as Virgin Atlantic customers will soon be able to reserve seats via the airline’s app or website, promising rapid journeys, such as an eight-minute flight from Heathrow to Canary Wharf instead of the typical 80-minute car ride.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, remarked on the synergy his company shares with Virgin Atlantic, stating, “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta, and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK. Together, we are focused on improving mobility across the nation.”

The electric taxi will utilize six tilting propellers, allowing for vertical takeoffs and landings while significantly reducing noise compared to conventional helicopters. Joby Aviation has previously conducted thousands of successful test flights, showcasing its aircraft’s reliability and operational capacity.

The initiative also aims to establish a series of landing locations, also known as vertiports, around the UK, enhancing the service’s reach and operational efficiency. With fares expected to be similar to existing premium ridesharing options, the air taxi service positions itself to attract a wide range of users.

The partnership reinforces Joby’s existing agreement with Delta Air Lines, illustrating a commitment to pioneering innovative transportation solutions in both the US and the UK. Additionally, plans are on the table for services in Dubai by 2026, highlighting the collaborative global strategy of these companies.

Experts suggest that the new electric air taxi service could become operational as early as 2026, as part of a broader vision integrated into the Department of Transport’s Future of Flight Action Plan. Industry stakeholders eagerly anticipate the impact of this evolution in urban mobility, especially as demand for sustainable travel solutions continues to rise.

The partnership between Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic seems poised not only to revolutionize urban transportation but also to represent a major pivot toward environmentally friendly travel within the aviation sector.