Skyports and Joby Aviation Partner with Dubai’s RTA: A New Era of Air Taxi Services by 2026
Skyports Infrastructure, a leading player in the vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, has announced a Definitive Agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and all-electric aircraft company Joby Aviation. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, aims to launch passenger air taxi services in Dubai by 2026.
Endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, the agreement grants Skyports exclusive rights to build and operate vertiports in Dubai. This marks the first time globally that a transport authority, vertiport operator, aircraft manufacturer, and relevant regulatory bodies have partnered to enable AAM.
The initial network will include four vertiports located by Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. The project will integrate with RTA’s extensive public transport network to facilitate intermodal travel, enhance connectivity across Dubai, and enable a seamless passenger journey.
Duncan Walker, founder and CEO of Skyports, said, “Today marks a significant step towards the launch of commercial air taxi services in Dubai. The industry has never been closer to making it a reality.” He added, “The strategic positioning of our vertiports in key locations across Dubai will enhance connectivity and provide a faster travel option for residents and visitors. With the Definitive Agreement signed, now begins the exciting part: designing and building our vertiports.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, stated, “The Dubai air taxi initiative is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies and enable fast, safe, and convenient travel to key city spots. Skyports’ vertiports will stand out for their innovative design, which facilitates seamless multimodal transportation and improves citywide connectivity, ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers.”
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder, Joby Aviation, said, “Today’s landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service – a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys. We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”
Detailed studies have been completed at the four locations and architectural design has commenced for the first phase of development. The vertiport certification and approval process has begun with agencies including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans).
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