Can Joby Aviation's Air Taxi Service Launch in Dubai and the US This Year?

Joby Aviation is a leading developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These vehicles, often called flying taxis, promise to revolutionize urban travel. They offer a way for passengers to bypass heavy ground traffic. The company is now approaching a critical phase: commercial operations in 2026.

Dubai: The First Commercial Launch Market

Joby Aviation is making significant progress in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company holds a six-year exclusive partnership with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA). This agreement is for establishing and operating air taxi services in Dubai.

The initial focus is on building a network of vertiports, which are specialized landing sites. The first key vertiport is located at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Construction on this site is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

Key Infrastructure and Milestones

• Vertiport Network: The initial network includes four locations. These sites are at Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Mall, Atlantis the Royal, and The American University of Dubai.
• Demonstration Flights: Joby has already conducted demonstration flights. This includes the UAE’s first piloted, point-to-point electric air taxi flight.
• Commercial Goal: The RTA has confirmed it is “steadily progressing” toward a commercial launch in 2026. Joby plans to start its first passenger flights in Dubai this year. This will help gauge market demand for the new air taxi service.

Advancing US Certification and Operations

In the United States, Joby is focused on achieving full certification from the FAA. The company has entered the final stage of its certification process. This stage is known as Type Inspection Authorization (TIA).

This TIA phase involves extensive testing of the aircraft. It ensures the design meets all safety and performance standards. Joby began power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft in late 2025. FAA pilots are scheduled to begin “for-credit” flight testing in 2026.

Joby is also part of the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This program allows the company to test its mature aircraft in select US markets. Operations under the eIPP could begin as early as mid-2026.

Funding the Future of Advanced Air Mobility

Scaling production and launching commercial service is capital-intensive. To support this growth, Joby recently completed a significant capital raise. On January 29, 2026, the company priced an upsized offering.

This offering included $600 million in convertible senior notes. It also involved the sale of 52.86 million shares of common stock. The shares were priced at $11.35 per share. The total net proceeds from the deals are expected to be approximately $1.16 billion.

This capital injection is crucial. It provides the necessary funding to accelerate eVTOL production. It also supports the company's push for FAA certification. However, the stock offering is dilutive for current shareholders. This is a common risk for pre-revenue, high-growth start-ups in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

Industry Impact and Outlook

Joby’s planned 2026 launch represents a major milestone for the entire eVTOL industry. A successful commercial start in Dubai would validate the technology. It would also demonstrate the viability of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for urban transport. Delays in certification or production remain the primary risks. However, Joby Aviation is a leading company in the race to market. Its progress sets a clear benchmark for competitors globally. The company's dual-market strategy—fast-track launch in Dubai and rigorous certification in the US—positions it as a frontrunner in the future of aviation.

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