Joby and Virgin to Introduce Electric Air Taxi Network Across England
Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic have partnered to bring electric air taxi services to England, adding the country to Joby’s global expansion plans that already include the UAE and United States.
Elena Whitmore 
Reservations will be integrated into Virgin Atlantic’s platform
Joby Aviation, a California-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has formalized a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to roll out air taxi operations in England. While no definitive timeline has been given, a Joby spokesperson confirmed that operations in England would begin after the company launches in the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. The company's first aircraft delivery to Dubai is expected later this year, with market testing projected to follow soon after.
In the U.S., Joby had aimed to begin commercial operations in New York or Los Angeles in 2025. However, that timeline may shift as the company continues to pursue full certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company previously announced in October 2024 that it was nearing type certification, a regulatory milestone that confirms the design of its aircraft. As of now, no updated timeline has been provided.
Initial service will connect Heathrow and Manchester hubs
The partnership with Virgin Atlantic will initially focus on connecting passengers from Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport to nearby destinations using a network of vertiports. These are dedicated infrastructure points where eVTOL aircraft can take off, land, and recharge. Future passengers will be able to reserve their seats through the Virgin Atlantic app and website.
This collaboration follows Joby’s application in July 2022 to have its aircraft design validated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The company must obtain necessary certifications in England before launching any commercial operations. The goal is to build a network that supports quick city-to-airport transfers, mirroring Joby’s arrangement with Delta Air Lines in the U.S., where Delta has already invested $60 million in the company, with an option to invest up to $200 million more. In contrast, Virgin's deal does not include any direct investment, according to a Joby spokesperson.
Air taxi journeys could reduce travel times significantly
The eVTOL aircraft developed by Joby is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers along with small luggage. It can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, which could make a journey from Leeds to Manchester last only around 15 minutes. In a statement, Virgin Atlantic noted that it plans to support the rollout in England by working with regulators, promoting the service to its customers, and assisting with the development of landing infrastructure at key locations.
Joby’s broader international roadmap includes future operations in South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia, in addition to the UAE, U.S., and England. Although commercial deployment is still in the planning stages, the company is positioning itself through strategic partnerships with major airlines as a way to enter local markets efficiently.
