Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) has launched construction of its inaugural vertiport at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This marks a significant milestone in the development of urban air mobility infrastructure.
Vertiports are specialized airports designed for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft operations. They are set to revolutionize city transportation by enabling electric air taxis to operate from compact, strategically located facilities.
Groundbreaking Ceremony at Dubai DXB
The groundbreaking ceremony drew prominent figures including Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Also present were Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, and RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer.
Joby’s Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt joined representatives from project partners Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports at the event.
Four Dubai Vertiport Locations
The DXB vertiport represents the first of four planned locations in Joby’s Dubai network, with additional sites set for Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
These strategic locations will create a comprehensive urban air mobility network, allowing passengers to bypass ground traffic and reduce journey times across the city.
The company aims to launch its air taxi service by late 2025, following a February 2024 agreement that grants Joby exclusive rights to Dubai’s air taxi market for six years.
“We’re creating a revolutionary travel experience for Dubai’s residents and tourists,” said Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt. “Our air taxi service will provide quick connections between key locations while offering stunning views of Dubai’s skyline.”
“Thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai’s government for their innovative spirit and support.”
Vertiport Infrastructure
The three-story vertiport spans 3,100 square meters and exemplifies the future of urban air mobility infrastructure. Unlike traditional airports, vertiports are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing city transportation networks.
The DXB facility will connect directly with Dubai Metro’s Emirates Station 2, DXB Airport, and various ground transport options, creating a true multimodal transportation hub.
Urban air mobility represents a new chapter in transportation, promising to alleviate ground traffic congestion while providing sustainable, high-speed travel options for city residents.
The vertiport’s design prioritizes rapid passenger processing and minimal ground time for aircraft, essential features for maintaining efficient urban air taxi operations.
Two take-off and landing areas will feature Joby’s proprietary Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS), enabling rapid charging between flights.
This charging infrastructure is crucial for maintaining continuous operations and maximizing the number of flights possible from each vertiport location.
The company has begun the process to obtain an Air Operator Certificate from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. This requires the demonstration of aircraft capabilities and operational safety standards. This certification process is essential for establishing the safety and reliability of urban air mobility services.
Joby Aviation Aircraft
Joby’s electric air taxi can transport four passengers and a pilot at speeds reaching 200 mph, delivering fast urban mobility while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions.
Joby Aviation has designed for urban operations, with advanced noise reduction features making them significantly quieter than helicopters. This allows them to operate from city-center locations without causing disturbance to nearby residents and businesses.
The Dubai vertiport network represents one of the world’s first large-scale implementations of urban air mobility infrastructure. It positions the city at the forefront of this emerging transportation revolution.
