Introduction to Joby Aviation’s Partnership with Virgin Atlantic

Joby Aviation has announced a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to launch electric air taxis in the U.K., marking the seventh country where the startup aims to commercialize its services. This move is part of Joby’s broader strategy to expand its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations globally.

Background on Joby Aviation’s Plans

Joby, which went public in 2021 via a special purpose acquisition merger, has not provided a specific timeline for the launch of its partnership with Virgin in the U.K. According to a company spokesperson, the launch is expected to occur after Joby initiates operations in the UAE and the U.S.

Launch Timeline and Certifications

Joby is planning to begin market testing in Dubai later this year or early next, following the delivery of its first eVTOL aircraft to the country. Additionally, the startup has planned to launch a commercial service in the U.S., potentially in New York or Los Angeles, in 2025. However, this timeline may be subject to change as Joby works to secure necessary certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In October 2024, Joby announced that it was nearing type certification for its aircraft design. Although a spokesperson could not provide an updated timeline, the company is making progress in this area.

Regulatory Approvals in the U.K.

Before launching in the U.K., Joby will need to obtain certifications from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority. The company submitted an application for aircraft validation in July 2022 and is currently working through the regulatory process.

Partnership Details with Virgin Atlantic

The partnership between Joby and Virgin Atlantic was first reported by TechCrunch nearly seven months ago, based on information from industry sources. Under the agreement, Joby will serve as Virgin’s exclusive airline distribution partner in the U.K.

Joby also has a mutually exclusive deal with Delta Air Lines in the U.S. and U.K. Although Delta owns roughly half of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership with Virgin falls under the existing agreement with Delta. This deal promises to provide customers with a premium service, shuttling them from local vertiports directly to the airport.

Service Details and Customer Experience

The Virgin partnership will offer a similar network of landing sites across the U.K., initially connecting passengers from Virgin’s hubs at London’s Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft through the Virgin Atlantic app and website.

Industry Context and Competitor Activity

Partnering with airlines is a key strategy for eVTOL companies like Joby as they prepare to launch commercial services. Joby’s main rival, Archer Aviation, has made similar deals with United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Investment and Support

Many of these partnerships involve investments from the airlines. For example, Delta has invested $60 million in Joby, with the option to invest up to $200 million more if Joby meets its commitments. However, an investment is not part of Joby’s deal with Virgin Atlantic, according to a Joby spokesperson.

Virgin Atlantic has pledged to support Joby’s go-to-market efforts in the U.K. by marketing the service to customers, collaborating with regulators, and helping to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports.

Joby’s eVTOL Aircraft Capabilities

Joby’s eVTOL is designed to carry a pilot, four passengers, and some luggage, with the capability to fly at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This would make a flight from Leeds to Manchester a 15-minute journey.

Global Expansion Plans

While Joby is still in the early stages of large-scale deployments, the startup has outlined its intentions to launch air taxi services in the U.S., the U.K., the UAE, South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia. As the company progresses with regulatory approvals and partnerships, it moves closer to realizing its vision of transforming urban air mobility globally.