Joby Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure to launch a passenger air taxi service network in the emirate by 2027.
The partnership will combine RAKTA support, Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure development, and Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to design, develop and operate the first air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the UAE Supreme Council and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
“This partnership reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision to shape the future of mobility by integrating advanced transport solutions within its urban and tourism ecosystem,” said H.E Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, director general at RAKTA. “This step is an extension of Ras Al Khaimah’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which focuses on innovation, sustainability and the integration of transport modes.”
“By bringing together the aircraft, the infrastructure and the regulator from day one, we are creating a clearly defined path to accelerate the launch of commercial air taxi service,” said JoeBen Bevirt, chief executive and founder of Joby Aviation. “We look forward to bringing this new route to life with our partners RAKTA and Skyports, and continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid across the UAE.”
Duncan Walker, chief executive at Skyports, said the project moves to the next phase of development with Joby as the aircraft original equipment manufacturer and service launch partner. “With the strong progress Skyports is currently making on our Dubai Vertiport Network partnered with Joby as the air taxi service operator, together we are best placed to deliver air taxi services to RAK by 2027,” said Walker.
According to the partnership, the service will include an air taxi network within Ras Al Khaimah and an inter-emirate corridor connecting Joby’s planned service in Dubai to developments in Ras Al Khaimah. This includes Al Marjan Island, where the Wynn Al Marjan is set to open in 2027, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Al Marjan Island will be home to the first vertiport, with additional locations following in a phased development approach.
According to Joby, the journey from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island, which can take over an hour by car, could take less than 15 minutes in Joby’s air taxi at its top speed of 321kph (200mph). The aircraft is designed to transport a pilot and up to four passengers with zero operating emissions.
Joby’s flight test program has exceeded 40,000 miles (64,374km). The company is working toward carrying its first passengers in Dubai in 2026.
