Virgin Atlantic plans electric air taxi service for UK

Virgin Atlantic is planning to develop short-haul, zero-emission air taxi services between airports and cities throughout the UK.

The airline has partnered with Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger services.

The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines – which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic – to launch service in the US and UK.

The partners aim to start with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports.

Virgin Atlantic said it will also market the service to its customers, liaise with regulators alongside Joby and help to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports.

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph.

Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website and other channels.

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said details are still to be confirmed but the airline will “look to include travel agents when we come closer to launch”.

Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK.

“Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience.”

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and chief executive of Joby, added: “Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”

Joby’s electric air taxi uses six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically.

The aircraft is expected to be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles.

Journeys in the UK could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester airport to Leeds, or an eight-minute journey from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car.

Joby aims to build a network of landing locations in cities and communities throughout the UK, with prices that are “comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options”.

Joby exhibited its aircraft for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, and in July 2022 announced that it formally applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.