Virgin Atlantic (VS/VIR) has announced a partnership with eVTOL specialist Joby Aviation to launch an air taxi service in the UK to connect passengers with its key hubs at London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) and Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC).
Joby’s all-electric air taxi is designed for fast, emissions-free travel, offering speeds of up to 200 mph. It uses six tilting propellers powered by electric motors, which makes it ideal for busy cities where noise is a factor.
The aircraft are operated by a single pilot and can carry up to four passengers with a range of up to 100 miles. This means that Virgin Atlantic passengers could fly from Bristol to Heathrow in around 30 minutes. or from Heathrow to Canary Wharf in just 8 minutes.
The air taxi is currently undergoing approval in the UK with the Civil Aviation Authority who would need to certify and give permission for the operation to begin, and as such, no launch date is currently being set.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK. Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, added: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK. Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
An Example of the Manchester Air Taxi Network
