Joby Aviation Eyes Brisbane 2032 Olympics for Flying Taxi Launch

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) developer Joby Aviation, in partnership with ride-sharing company Uber, is exploring the launch of an electric air taxi service in Australia, with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games identified as a key target. The potential move follows a public flight demonstration in Dubai and marks a significant step toward establishing a commercial market for eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft in the region.

Following a successful test flight in the Dubai desert, company executives confirmed they are in discussions with Australia's CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) regarding the type certification process for their aircraft. This development signals a renewed focus on Australia, more than five years after Uber’s initial plans to launch a similar service in Melbourne were shelved. The revived ambition, backed by Joby's maturing technology, aims to offer a new mode of urban transport to alleviate city congestion.

Path to Australian Skies

For Joby's aircraft to operate in Australia, it must first achieve type certification from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States, a process that is currently underway. Joby would then seek to have that certification validated by CASA. According to company officials, a bilateral aviation safety agreement between the US and Australia provides a streamlined pathway for this validation, which Joby intends to utilize.

Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer at Joby Aviation, confirmed that talks with the Australian regulator are in progress. While acknowledging that additional work would be required for CASA to approve the novel aircraft, he expressed optimism about the timeline. “Whenever there are big events that have a global stage, there’s opportunity,” Allison stated, referencing the Brisbane Games. “I certainly think that’s something we will be paying close attention to.”

This initiative is part of a broader industry trend where eVTOL manufacturers partner with established transportation networks to accelerate market entry. Joby Aviation acquired Uber's Elevate division in 2021, integrating its expertise in demand simulation and multimodal logistics, which is central to the planned service model.

Aircraft and Service Model

The Joby aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for rapid urban transit. According to official company specifications, the aircraft can reach a top speed of 200 mph (approximately 322 km/h) and has a maximum range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. Its design features six propellers and is powered by four redundant battery packs to ensure safety. The company also claims its acoustic signature during flight is significantly lower than that of a conventional helicopter.

Once operational, the service will be integrated into the Uber app, allowing users to book flights as a premium, time-saving travel option. The end-to-end journey would include ground transportation to and from the vertiports, or

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