The UK is set to take a bold step into the future of air travel as Virgin Atlantic partners with Joby Aviation to introduce an electric air taxi service. The service aims to offer fast, eco-friendly flights between key UK locations, promising travel times as short as 8 minutes from Heathrow to Canary Wharf.
How Will the UK Air Taxi Service Work?
Joby Aviation, a California-based company, has developed a fully electric, six-rotor aircraft that can carry five passengers, including a pilot. The aircraft takes off vertically like a helicopter before transitioning into forward flight using tilt rotors.
Key specifications include:
- Top speed: 200 mph
- Range: 150 miles on a single charge
- Noise reduction: 100 times quieter than traditional aircraft
Customers will be able to book seats via the Virgin Atlantic app and website once the service is operational. The aircraft will also be co-branded with Joby and Virgin Atlantic logos.
Regulatory Hurdles and Certification
Before launching in the UK, Joby must first secure type certification, ensuring the aircraft meets strict design and safety standards. The company is currently in the final stages of approval in the US, where it expects to begin passenger flights in late 2025 or early 2026.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is also assessing how airports and airspace regulations need to adapt for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This includes charging infrastructure and air traffic management.
Fast, Affordable Air Travel Across the UK
The partnership envisions an expansive air taxi network, with potential routes such as:
- Manchester to Leeds in 15 minutes
- Heathrow to Canary Wharf in just 8 minutes
While pricing details haven’t been confirmed, Joby says fares will be comparable to premium ground ridesharing services, making it an affordable alternative to taxis and trains.
Virgin Atlantic Joins the Air Taxi Race
This isn’t Joby’s first airline partnership. In 2022, Delta Air Lines invested $200 million in Joby, while Toyota followed with a $500 million investment last year. However, Virgin Atlantic is not investing financially—instead, it will focus on operational support and customer bookings.
The electric air taxi market is heating up, with competitors like Archer Aviation, Volocopter, and Beta Technologies racing to launch commercial services. However, not all ventures have succeeded—German firm Lilium recently faced insolvency issues, highlighting the challenges in this emerging sector.
The Future of Air Travel
Joby has already delivered a second aircraft to the US Air Force for testing and is making record progress in regulatory approvals. The FAA recently issued new eVTOL regulations, paving the way for commercial operations. However, with a potential review under the Trump administration, there’s uncertainty about whether these rules will delay Joby’s 2025 launch timeline.
Despite regulatory hurdles, Joby and Virgin Atlantic’s UK air taxi service marks a significant shift in urban mobility. If successful, it could revolutionise short-haul travel, reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and offering passengers a faster, more efficient way to navigate UK cities.
