Joby Aviation signs UK air taxi deal with Virgin Atlantic

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and Virgin Atlantic signed a definitive multi-year agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow, establishing Virgin Atlantic as Joby's exclusive airline partner for air taxi services in the United Kingdom.

The agreement formalizes a partnership first announced in 2025 and builds on Joby's existing relationship with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. Delta and Joby announced a multi-city US and UK partnership in 2022.

Under the terms, Virgin Atlantic will integrate Joby's air taxi service into its booking platforms, including its mobile app and website, allowing travelers to book air taxi connections alongside long-haul flights. Joby will retain sole responsibility for aircraft operations, route management, and securing approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

London Heathrow and Manchester Airport are expected to serve as primary connection points. Early planned routes include Manchester Airport to Leeds in approximately 15 minutes and Heathrow to central London in around eight minutes. Joby said it plans to expand the network to additional UK cities over time.

Joby's aircraft uses six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff and landing and is designed for routes of up to 100 miles. The company states it has completed thousands of test flights, including demonstrations in San Francisco and between JFK Airport and Manhattan. Aircraft certification is progressing under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the FAA and the UK CAA, based on Joby's 2022 validation application.

"This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in our partnership with Joby and a significant step towards bringing electric air taxi services to the UK," said Corneel Koster, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said, "The UK is one of the most exciting markets for this technology, and this partnership could drive significant opportunities for Joby as we bring air taxi service to some of the country's busiest cities."

You May Also Be Interested In

• ECB Officials Are Ready To Raise Interest Rates In September - Bloomberg
• Real Messenger receives Nasdaq minimum bid price deficiency notice
• Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis - Reuters