Dubai Announces the Launch of the Revolutionary Aerial Taxi Service by 2026
The UAE has finalized the agreement to launch a city-wide electric aerial taxi service in Dubai by 2026, setting a worldwide model for commercial aerial mobility with an extensive network of vertiports.
Tue, Feb 13, 2024 2:00pm
2 min
Flying taxis will take off in Dubai by 2026
As per the agreement, the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will oversee services associated with advanced air mobility, while Joby is set to provide an aerial ridesharing service, and Skyports will exclusively handle the design, construction, and operation of a network of vertiports.
The vertiports will feature a three-story parking structure, with the top level dedicated to the vertiport terminal and airfield for the air taxis, linked directly to the Emirates Metro Station to promote seamless multimodal transport.
The agreement also involves collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Air Navigation Services Corporation (DANS), and other key bodies to frame the legislative and operational groundwork for the service.
The signing, attended by prominent figures including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, preceded the World Governments Summit (WGS).
The Joby Aviation S4 features:
The Joby Aviation S4 Aerial Taxi is a key component of the RTA vision for future mobility. It features cutting-edge technology for safe and efficient urban travel, aiming for full integration with Dubai’s existing public transport systems. It’s designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, the Joby Aviation S4 boasts six propellers and four battery packs, promising a unique travel experience.
The Joby S4 offers a remarkable range of up to 161 kilometres and speeds reaching 321 kilometres per hour, surpassing helicopters in quietness. Its vertical take-off and landing abilities are ideal for the urban landscape, requiring less space than traditional stations.
The service is set to commence from four strategic locations around Dubai, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. And a flight from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah via aerial taxi, for example, will cut travel time to just 10 minutes, a significant reduction from the current 45-minute car journey.
Besides all the other advantages, the Joby S4 also offers environmental benefits, including lower noise levels and zero emissions.