Get ready, Dubai residents! Exciting news is on the horizon as Dubai gears up to introduce aerial taxis by 2026. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), have signed an agreement to launch an aerial taxi service in Dubai by 2026.
The agreement was signed ahead of the World Governments Summit, by RTA with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Joby Aviation, the world leader in aerial taxi development, and Skyports Infrastructure, the leading vertiport infrastructure provider for the Advanced Air Mobility industry. After the agreement, Dubai will be the world's pioneer in offering a commercial electric aerial taxi service and vertiport network covering the entire city.
During the agreement signing, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the Joby Aviation S4 aerial taxi, the commercial taxi slated for operations in 2026. This project is a part of RTA's future mobility efforts, intending to offer transportation services for both residents and visitors of Dubai.
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The Joby Aviation S4 can safely carry four passengers plus the pilot. It features six propellers and four battery packs, enabling it to travel up to 161km at speeds of up to 321kph. In comparison to regular helicopters, Joby Aviation S4 will be quieter and its vertical take-off and landing ability will make it suitable for urban areas, requiring less horizontal space.
Initially, the aerial taxi service will launch at four key locations, near Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. These vertiports will have innovative designs and facilities for passengers, including electric charging stations. This service will provide fast, safe, and convenient travel, reducing travel time significantly. For example, a flight from the Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 10 minutes, down from the 45 minutes by car. Additionally, it will integrate with other transportation modes, enhancing citywide connectivity and offering a smooth travel experience for passengers.
Aerial taxis offer benefits like vertical take-off and landing, low noise, and zero emissions, prioritising safety, comfort, and speed with advanced technology. Stay tuned for all the upcoming details!