Joby and Virgin Atlantic formalise plans for UK electric air taxi service

Virgin Atlantic will become Joby Aviation’s exclusive UK airline partner under a multi-year agreement designed to connect electric air taxis with the country’s existing transport network.

Under the agreement, Virgin Atlantic will become Joby’s exclusive UK airline partner. The carrier plans to integrate Joby journeys into its website and app, allowing passengers to book electric air taxi connections alongside conventional flights.

London Heathrow and Manchester Airport are expected to serve as the principal hubs. Potential early routes include an eight-minute flight between Heathrow and central London and a journey of around 15 minutes between Manchester Airport and Leeds. Both trips can take more than an hour by road during busy periods.

Joby will remain responsible for operating the aircraft, developing routes and securing the necessary approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Virgin Atlantic will support customer acquisition and the integration of services with airport infrastructure.

UK demonstration targeted for 2028

Speaking at Farnborough International Airshow, Joby founder and chief executive JoeBen Bevirt said the company aims to demonstrate the service in the UK during the next edition of the show.

“Our goal is to conduct our first flight here in the UK, from London to Farnborough, for the next airshow in two years,” he said.

Joby is currently working through the final stage of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s type certification process. Experience gained from planned operations in the US and UAE is expected to support its subsequent entry into the UK market, although separate CAA approval will be required.

The company’s piloted electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft uses six tilting propellers and is intended to carry four passengers. Joby is positioning the aircraft as a quieter, zero-operating-emission alternative for short urban and airport journeys.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Corneel Koster said the agreement marked the next stage in the companies’ work to bring the technology to Britain.

“Innovation has always been part of Virgin Atlantic’s DNA, and we’re proud to partner with Joby to help shape the future of travel,” he said.

Infrastructure will be critical

The agreement gives Joby an established UK consumer brand and a route into heavily constrained airport environments. Virgin Atlantic’s relationship with Heathrow could prove particularly important as the partners assess landing sites, passenger transfers and integration with existing airport operations.

However, bringing the service into commercial use will require more than aircraft certification. Suitable vertiports, local planning consent, charging facilities, airspace integration and public acceptance will all be necessary before operations can begin at scale.

The partnership also builds on Joby’s relationship with Delta Air Lines, which owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic. Joby and Delta are already working together on planned airport transfer services in the US.