Dubai is planning to introduce air taxis again in the futuristic city of the Arabian Peninsula, and on Monday announced the most concrete details yet for its introduction in 2026.
Since 2017, the United Arab Emirates commercial city has made a pledge to launch air taxis in the city, which already has some of the tallest buildings in the world.
A range of industries and companies have also submitted pledges, most of which will be included at the annual World Government Summit in Dubai, which kicked off on Monday.
Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced the resumption of the air taxi program on Twitter on Sunday. This time, Dubai featured a promotional video of Joby Aviation’s 6‑rotor electric flying taxi in Santa Cruz, California.
Officials in the emirate did not explain why Joby Aviation was on display, rather than the Chinese EHang 184, XPeng X2 and German electric volocopter previously displayed in Dubai. Joby’s aircraft was unveiled on the stand of the World Government Summit on Monday.
Joby Aviation spokesman Oliver Walker-Jones said: “We are excited about this opportunity and are actively exploring it.”
Ahmed Bahrozyan, a road transport official in the emirate, similarly told state radio station Dubai Eye on Monday that the plan was “still in its early stages.”
“I haven’t signed a partner yet,” he said.
Another difference in this year’s flying taxi pledge is that the specifics of the program have been made public. Centering on Dubai International Airport, which has the largest number of international flights in the world, four “barty ports” are planned:
downtown Dubai, the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These locations include two launch pads and four flying taxi charging points.
“We believe that these regions are attractive as business and tourism hubs and that we see great demand,” Barojan said.
Air taxi prices are “like a limousine service in Dubai, maybe a little more expensive,” says Barojan. RTA describes the limousine service’s fares as “at least 30% more expensive than taxis”. Taxis start at about $3.25 and charge $0.50 per kilometer.
Also, in a change from previous plans, RTA is initially planning a piloted flying taxi instead of an autonomous one. Barojan explained that the pilot has a seat, similar to Joby’s electric flying taxi. But Varojan said it will also continue to test autonomous flying taxis.
The Joby prototype can fly more than 240km to the point where it needs to be recharged, putting it within reach of places like Abu Dhabi. Take off and land vertically, with the rotor tilted forward during flight. The maximum speed is 320km/h.
New York Stock Exchange-listed Joby Avation Inc. was trading at $4.20 per share before trading opened on Monday. Major shareholders include Intel, with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines also investing.
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