Joby Aviation and its partners Skyports and the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) have started construction for the first of an initial four vertiports to be used for eVTOL air taxi services. The first of the new facilities is being built groundside at Dubai International Airport (OMDB) with convenient access to the main passenger terminals, metro rail station, and parking garage.
The three-story, 33,368-square-foot structure will incorporate a pair of takeoff and landing stands for eVTOL aircraft. It will be equipped with Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System, which has been designed for use with its four-passenger vehicle, but also other eVTOL models. Three other vertiports are to be built at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
In February, the Dubai government granted U.S.-based Joby exclusive rights to operate eVTOL air taxi services in the emirates for a six-year period. The manufacturer said it aims to start commercial operations there in late 2025, but this is contingent on its first completing FAA type certification, with the UAE’s air safety regulator expected to accept this approval under a bilateral agreement.
Joby recently started the process of earning an air operator certificate in the UAE. It will be required to demonstrate the readiness of its aircraft, and also arrangements for maintenance, operations, and safety.
An event to mark the start of construction at OMDB was held this week. Among those participating in the ceremony were Dubai’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Dubai’s deputy ruler, Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum; RTA director general Mattar Al Tayer; and Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt.