Virgin Atlantic has today announced a new partnership with Joby Aviation to deliver emissions-free travel in the UK with a new electric air taxi service. Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s preparations for UK operation.
On Monday (March 17, 2025) Virgin Atlantic announced the launch of a new partnership with Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing electric air taxi’s for commercial passenger service. With the collaboration, Virgin Atlantic will help support Joby’s preparation for UK emissions-free air travel. This builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, who holds a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic, and brings together brands committed to innovation, customer service and challenging the status quo.
In Monday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, 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.”
Also commenting on the new partnership, Joby Aviation’s Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, 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.”
The goal of the partnership is to offer seamless zero-emission short-range journeys across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports. As previously mentioned, Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s entry-into-market in the UK through marketing the service to customers, engaging regulators, and helping to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports. Joby’s electric taxi can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is powered by six tilting propellers, and delivers a noise footprint that is only a fraction of today’s helicopters. It has been purposely designed for rapid back-to-back flights on routes up to 100 miles.
Some examples of potential UK electric air taxi journeys include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an eight minute flight between Heathrow and Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car. Joby Aircraft exhibited their air taxi in the UK for the first time during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. This follows Joby’s 2022 application to have the aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Joby Aviation's London and Manchester Air Taxi Networks - Courtesy Virgin Atlantic/Joby
Source: Virgin Atlantic