Virgin Atlantic, Joby Partner to Launch Electric Air Taxi Service in the U.K.

Virgin Atlantic has joined forces with Joby Aviation to introduce an electric air taxi service in the United Kingdom. This collaboration aims to provide zero-emission, short-range flights, initially connecting regional and urban destinations from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports.

As part of the agreement, Virgin Atlantic will promote the service to its customers, assist in regulatory discussions, and support the development of essential landing infrastructure at major airports. The initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance sustainable travel options while improving urban mobility.

Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, previously invested $60 million in Joby in 2022 and has its own plans for an electric air taxi service in New York and Los Angeles. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, highlighted the potential of this technology during a keynote address at CES earlier this year.

Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to book flights on Joby’s aircraft through the airline’s mobile app, website, and other digital platforms. The electric aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, could enable rapid connections such as a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds or an eight-minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf.

Joby is working to develop a network of landing sites across the U.K. to make urban air travel a viable alternative to premium ground transportation. The company aims to offer pricing competitive with high-end ridesharing options, making air taxis accessible to a broader audience.

Unlike some competitors in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector, Joby has maintained financial stability, securing $500 million in funding from Toyota last year. The company is also expanding globally, with a recent agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to introduce electric air taxis in the emirate by 2026.