Joby Announces Beginning of Work on First Dubai Vertiport

Rhea-AI Summary

Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) has begun construction of its first vertiport at Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking the start of its planned Dubai air taxi network. This vertiport is one of four initial locations, with additional sites planned for Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. The three-story, 3,100-square-meter facility will feature two take-off and landing stands equipped with Joby's Global Electric Aviation Charging System. The service, planned to launch as soon as late 2025, is part of an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai Road and Transport Authority and Skyports. The vertiport will integrate with Dubai's transport network, connecting to Dubai Metro's Emirates Station 2 and DXB Airport.

Positive

• Secured exclusive access to Dubai air taxi market for six years
• Strategic location integration with major transport hubs
• Construction commenced on first of four planned vertiports
• Advanced infrastructure with proprietary charging system implementation

Negative

• Service launch not expected until late 2025
• Significant infrastructure investment required for multiple vertiport locations

Insights

Infrastructure Development Analyst

The initiation of vertiport construction at Dubai International Airport marks a significant milestone in Joby's commercial infrastructure development. The 3,100-square-meter facility represents the first of four planned vertiports, establishing a strategic network that includes key locations like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina. The 6-year exclusive market access agreement provides Joby with a protected first-mover advantage in one of the world's most prestigious aviation markets.

The integration with Dubai's existing transportation infrastructure, particularly the connection to Dubai Metro's Emirates Station 2, positions this development as a important hub in the region's evolving mobility ecosystem. The dual charging stands featuring GEACS technology demonstrate practical operational capability, though revenue generation remains approximately 2 years away with service targeted for late 2025.

Aviation Market Analyst

The commencement of vertiport construction represents a tangible step toward commercialization in a key market. Dubai's strategic importance stems from its high-value tourism sector, wealthy resident population and demonstrated willingness to adopt innovative transportation solutions. The regulatory progress with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority for the Air Operator Certificate adds credibility to the 2025 launch timeline.

However, investors should note that significant execution risks remain, including completing certification, establishing operational procedures and developing a sustainable business model. The exclusive market access provides valuable protection during the critical early operational phase, potentially allowing Joby to establish strong market positioning before competitors can enter.

 

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced that construction has begun on the first vertiport in its planned Dubai air taxi network.

Construction has begun on the first vertiport in Joby’s planned Dubai air taxi network, located at Dubai International Airport. Photo: Dubai RTA

Situated at Dubai International Airport (“DXB”), the vertiport is being constructed by Joby partners Dubai Road and Transport Authority (“RTA”) and Skyports, who celebrated the moment at a ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, as well as representatives from the Dubai RTA and Skyports.

The DXB vertiport is one of four initial locations that will form Joby’s network of vertiports for the air taxi service the Company plans to launch in the Emirate as soon as late 2025, with three additional vertiports planned for development in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. Joby’s planned service was announced as part of a definitive agreement signed by Joby, the RTA, and Skyports in February 2024, which included exclusive access for Joby to the Dubai air taxi market for six years.

“Our air taxi service in Dubai will offer tourists and residents the opportunity to experience a revolutionary travel experience, with faster movement between key destinations and breathtaking views of the city skyline,” commented Bevirt.

“With the start of construction on our air taxi network, our shared vision for electric air taxi service in Dubai is coming to life. I’m grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the government of Dubai for their support and commitment to innovation.”

The vertiport is designed to be integrated with Dubai’s multimodal transport network, providing seamless connectivity with Dubai Metro’s Emirates Station 2, DXB Airport, parking infrastructure, and other ground transportation options. Designed for exceptional passenger experience and high throughput, the three-story, 3,100-square-meter facility is designed to demonstrate a future vision for air travel focused on convenience and seamless passenger movements.

The facility is planned to include two take-off and landing stands, each equipped with the Joby-designed Global Electric Aviation Charging System (“GEACS”) to support rapid vehicle charging and conditioning in between flights.

Joby recently announced it has taken the first step toward becoming a certificated air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates. As part of the process to attain an Air Operator Certificate from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, Joby will demonstrate the readiness of its aircraft as well as its training, maintenance, operations and safety programs for commercial air transport.

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.

About Joby

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding the development and performance of our aircraft, the growth of our manufacturing capabilities, our regulatory outlook, progress and timing; our business plan, objectives, goals and market opportunity; our plans related to certification and operation of our aircraft in the United Arab Emirates, including vertiport location, timing and expected benefits of our service; and our current expectations relating to our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, capital needs and growth of our operations. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our ability to launch our air taxi service and the growth of the urban air mobility market generally; our ability to produce aircraft that meet our performance expectations in the volumes and on the timelines that we project; complexities related to obtaining certification and operating in foreign markets; the ability of us and our partners to develop necessary infrastructure in time for planned operations, or at all; the competitive environment in which we operate; our future capital needs; our ability to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our ability to effectively respond to evolving regulations and standards relating to our aircraft; our reliance on third-party suppliers and service partners; uncertainties related to our estimates of the size of the market for our service and future revenue opportunities; and other important factors discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 27, 2024, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2024, and in future filings and other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates and beliefs as of the date of this release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

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Joby Aviation

Investors:

investors@jobyaviation.com

Media:

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Source: Joby Aviation, Inc.

FAQ

When will Joby Aviation (JOBY) launch its air taxi service in Dubai?

Joby Aviation plans to launch its air taxi service in Dubai as soon as late 2025.

How many vertiports is Joby (JOBY) planning to build in Dubai?

Joby is planning to build four initial vertiports in Dubai, located at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.

What is the size of Joby's (JOBY) first vertiport at Dubai International Airport?

The first vertiport is a three-story facility spanning 3,100 square meters.

How long is Joby's (JOBY) exclusive access to the Dubai air taxi market?

Joby has secured exclusive access to the Dubai air taxi market for six years, as per the agreement signed in February 2024.