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Flying Over Traffic: Virgin Atlantic and Joby Unveil Electric Air Taxi Network

The electric air taxis reach 322 km/h, with a 160 km range, enabling quick trips between major hubs like 8 minutes from Heathrow to Canary Wharf or 15 minutes from Manchester to Leeds, bypassing traffic and delays

Electric air taxi from Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation. Photo: Joby Aviation Electric air taxi from Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation. Photo: Joby Aviation

Virgin Atlantic enters the field of air taxis - and will offer fast and electric flights in Britain.

Joby Aviation, which develops electric air taxis, collaborates with Virgin Atlantic to operate an innovative air transportation service in Britain.

As part of the project, emission-free flights will connect major cities and airports, including London (Heathrow), Manchester, and other destinations.

Electric air taxi from Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation. Photo: Joby AviationElectric air taxi from Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation. Photo: Joby Aviation

The electric air taxis from Joby can fly at a maximum speed of 322 km/h, with a maximum range of 160 km between charges, and are intended for short flights between major hubs.

The new service will allow, for example, an 8-minute flight from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, or 15 minutes from Manchester to Leeds, instead of a lengthy car ride and standing in traffic.

CEOCEO

Passengers of Virgin Atlantic will be able to book seats on these flights directly through the company's app, website, and existing booking channels.

Virgin Atlantic will assist Joby in regulatory processes with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and in advancing infrastructure for takeoffs and landings at central sites. The company views this move as part of a broader effort to improve connectivity between destinations and enhance the travel experience of its customers.

Planned route in Greater London. Photo: Joby AviationPlanned route in Greater London. Photo: Joby Aviation

In 2024, Joby exhibited its planes for the first time in Britain at the Farnborough International Airshow, and the company has already submitted a request for aircraft approval to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The service is expected to start operating in the coming years with fares similar to premium ground transportation services.

Britain is not the first country planning significant moves in the field of flying public transportation, and similar air taxi projects are planned in the UAE and over the skies of the USA.

Planned route in the Manchester area. Photo: Joby AviationPlanned route in the Manchester area. Photo: Joby Aviation

tags: Electric Air TaxisAir TransportationVirgin Atlantic

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