Dubai is set to turn into the first city to offer commercial air taxi services through Uber, with the integration of Joby Aviation’s all-electric aircraft into the ride-hailing app. The announcement, made Wednesday, previews a launch expected later this year, marking a significant step toward realizing the long-held vision of urban air mobility.
Uber riders will be able to book a Joby air taxi in a manner similar to ordering an Uber Black. After entering a destination in the Uber app, eligible routes will display “Uber Air powered by Joby” as a transportation option. The app will then manage the entire journey, including booking both the air taxi portion and ground transportation to and from dedicated “vertiports,” according to Uber.
Joby Aviation, which acquired Uber’s air taxi business in 2020, anticipates carrying its first passengers in Dubai before the complete of the year. The company’s aircraft is designed to accommodate up to four passengers and luggage, with an interior comparable in size to a standard SUV. Passengers can expect “comfortable seating” and panoramic views through large windows, Uber stated.
The all-electric air taxis are capable of traveling at speeds of up to 200 mph and have a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. Joby’s design incorporates six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff and landing, and features multiple levels of redundancy for enhanced safety. The aircraft is also engineered to minimize noise pollution, blending into the ambient sounds of city streets, according to the company.
While the launch in Dubai represents a major milestone, Uber and Joby are also preparing for potential operations in the United States. While, commercial flights within the U.S. Are contingent upon extensive testing and certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The companies have not yet specified a timeline for U.S. Operations.
The integration of Joby’s air taxis into the Uber app is intended to build anticipation for the service and provide users with a preview of the booking experience. Uber has not yet announced specific size or weight guidelines for passengers and luggage, stating that this information will be released closer to the launch date.
