The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority Joby Aviation, Inc a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, and Skyports Infrastructure announced a long-term collaboration to launch a passenger air taxi service network in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (“RAK”) by 2027. The announcement followed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, marking a significant milestone in advancing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions in the UAE. The partnership will bring together the direct support of RAKTA, Skyports’ leadership in developing vertiport infrastructure, and Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to design, develop and operate the first air taxi service in RAK.
“This partnership reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision to shape the future of mobility by integrating advanced transport solutions within its urban and tourism ecosystem,” said H.E Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, RAKTA Director General. “This step is an extension of Ras Al Khaimah’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the integration of transport modes. The launch of air taxi services represents a qualitative addition that provides fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility options, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors. It also contributes to enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a modern, smart city and an attractive global destination.”
“Our work to deploy an air taxi service in the UAE is becoming a model for how advanced air mobility can reshape transportation systems globally,” JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation. “By bringing together the aircraft, the infrastructure and the regulator from day one, we are creating a clearly defined path to accelerate the launch of commercial air taxi service. We look forward to bringing this new route to life with our partners RAKTA and Skyports, and continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid across the UAE.”
Commenting on the news, Duncan Walker, CEO, Skyports, said: “Following our MoU with RAKTA in May 2024 to establish the foundations for a vertiport network in RAK, we’re excited to see the project move to the next tangible phase of development with Joby as the aircraft OEM and service launch partner. With the strong progress Skyports is currently making on our Dubai Vertiport Network partnered with Joby as the air taxi service operator, together we are best placed to deliver air taxi services to RAK by 2027.”
