Dubai's air taxi dreams glide in closer to reality with test flight

JOBY AVIATION SEEKS TO TURN A 45-MINUTE CAR RIDE INTO A 12 MINUTE FLIGHT

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN

With a flight range of up to 160 km and a maximum speed of 320 km/h, Joby electric air can shorten a 45-minute car ride from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to 12 minutes carrying four people, including the pilot.

Fully powered by electricity and producing zero operating emissions, the air taxi features six rotors and four battery packs, operating at significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters.

These features were unveiled after Joby Aviation the US company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service completed the first successful test flight of its aerial taxi at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, situated along the Dubai-Al Ain road.