ALBAWABA - Joby Aviation, an American venture-backed aviation company, has partnered with Uber Technologies, the multinational transportation giant, and Delta Air Lines, a major US airline, to launch the new flying taxis.
An Uber ride in a flying taxi
The three major companies have partnered to launch an innovative new experience, allowing users to order an Uber ride in a flying taxi. The driver will be a pilot, and the vehicle will be an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), which uses electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically.
Joby Aviation, Uber, and Delta Air Lines are teaming up to launch electric flying taxis, aiming to offer a unique and exclusive experience that can be accessed daily at an affordable cost.
Notably, Joby Aviation plans to begin testing the service in Dubai, UAE, in 2025, with test rides expected to start in the US within the next few years.
Joby Aviation plans to begin testing the service in Dubai, UAE, in 2025, with test rides expected to start in the US within the next few years. (Joby Aviation)
According to Eric Allison, Joby’s Chief Product Officer, users will be able to book their rides through the Joby or Uber mobile applications. Once the ride is requested, a car will pick them up and take them to the take-off location. Another car will be waiting at the landing site to take them to their final destination.
"Ultimately, we want to take off and land as close as possible to where you need to be," Allison stated.
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) are known to be affordable due to their relatively low operating costs. Joby Aviation anticipates that the price per person will be similar to an Uber Black ride in the US and could eventually drop to match the price of an Uber X ride.
