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Virgin Atlantic set to bring 'flying taxis' to British skies

The Independent

|

March 18, 2025

Virgin Atlantic is set to bring flying taxis to the UK, it has been confirmed.

- J O A N N A W H I T E H E A D

Virgin Atlantic set to bring 'flying taxis' to British skies

Sir Richard Branson’s company has signed a deal with flying taxi company Joby Aviation to offer “seamless, zero-emission, shortrange journeys” across the UK.

Initial flights are expected to operate from Virgin Atlantic hubs at Heathrow and Manchester airports, with a journey from the London airport to Canary Wharf taking just eight minutes, instead of 80 minutes by car.

Elsewhere, a journey from Manchester airport to Leeds is estimated to take just 15 minutes.

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph, with travellers able to reserve a seat through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website and other channels.

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