The United Arab Emirates’ Khaleej Times reports “Dubai’s first crewed eVTOL flight made its journey from Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport, marking a significant step ahead of next year’s air taxi launch.”
“Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, made the announcement after reviewing the progress of infrastructure projects designed to enhance the road network, public transport systems, aerial taxi services, and The Future Loop project that forms part of the Dubai Walk Master Plan,” said the newspaper report.
“Today, I reviewed the Roads and Transport Authority’s latest infrastructure and public transport projects aimed at enhancing quality of life in Dubai. Ahead of next year’s air taxi launch, the first crewed eVTOL flight took off from Margham and landed at Al Maktoum International Airport, while the city’s first vertiport is under development near Dubai International Airport,” he wrote in a post on X.
“The project’s operational trials are being conducted by Joby Aviation Inc. in Dubai’s desert area. The company completed the first crewed flight of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi between two distinct locations. In a test flight that coincided with the Dubai Airshow 2025, the aircraft took off from Margham and landed at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
“This milestone marks a pivotal phase in expanding the scope of aerial taxi testing in Dubai to include operations within urban areas in the next stage, paving the way for the commencement of passenger transport services in 2026, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.”
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(Image: Joby)