‘Revolutionary’ Virgin Atlantic air taxi to hit UK skies soon

A flying taxi that will ferry passengers between London’s Heathrow Airport and Canary Wharf in just eight minutes is “on the horizon”

Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with US-based Joby Aviation in a “revolutionary” partnership that promises to slash travel times to and from major UK airports.

The electric aircraft is designed for rapid, back-to-back short-haul flights and can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.

It uses six tilting propellers to take off and land vertically with a “fraction of the noise” produced by traditional helicopters, according to Joby Aviation.

They will be available on routes of up to 100 miles, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Journeys between Manchester Airport and Leeds would take just 15 minutes, while the flying time from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf would take only eight.

Travelling between those locations by car would normally take 60 minutes and 80 minutes respectively.

Over time, Joby aims to build a network of landing sites that offer “rapid and convenient travel around cities and communities throughout the UK”.

Once in service, seats can be reserved by Virgin Atlantic customers at the touch of a button using a smartphone app.

Whether the taxis operate on a traditional meter system or charge fixed fares – and the amount of luggage you can take on board – has not yet been disclosed.

It is also unclear when the taxis will become operational.

But the cost will be “comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch”, according to Joby.

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK.

“Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience.

“We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”

The aircraft has already completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea.

It was revealed for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, and has already applied for a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority.

JoeBen Bevirt, the founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, added: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK.

“Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”

The flying taxi follows the development of the Alef Model Zero, which last month made the world’s first VTOL flight on public road.

Images: Joby Aviation