Joby Aviation has issued the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) a letter of intent to apply for an air operator certificate, marking its first step toward becoming a certified commercial air taxi operator in the Middle East.
Company founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt presented the letter of intent to GCAA director general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi this week during the ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, Canada.
Earlier this year, the California-based eVTOL developer announced several agreements with officials in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to launch electric air taxi services in the emirate states. In February, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority signed an agreement with Joby granting the manufacturer exclusive access to Dubai’s local eVTOL air taxi market for six years.
Two months later, Joby signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport to launch air taxi operations there, too. That agreement was also backed by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development and the Department of Culture and Tourism.
“There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks, delivering fast, clean and quiet journeys using our revolutionary aircraft,” said Bevirt.
Joby received its Part 135 operating certificate from the FAA in 2022. The company aims to have its piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft certified for commercial air taxi operations in the U.S. in 2025, with services launching in the UAE in late 2025 or 2026. To earn its GCAA operating certificate, Joby will follow a five-stage application process in which it will “develop a full complement of air taxi operating manuals, undergo inspections of its UAE-based facilities, and complete GCAA observation of pilot and aircraft mechanic training as well as flight operations,” the company said in a statement.
“The letter of intent for the operator certificate application from Joby Aviation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global leader in eVTOL operations,” said Al Suwaidi. “Our readiness to support these advanced technologies underscores our commitment to fostering advanced air mobility solutions that will be part of the future of transportation in the UAE and beyond.”