The vision of flying taxis in the UAE is nearing reality as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have completed their longest piloted flights.
Joby Aviation reached an agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in February 2024 to introduce air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. Archer Aviation, meanwhile, has teamed up with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to bring flying taxis to Abu Dhabi. Both companies plan to launch their services by the end of this year or the next.
On Monday, Archer announced that its Midnight aircraft achieved its longest piloted flight, covering around 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds over 126mph at their test facility in Salinas, California.
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Recent test flights have reached speeds close to 150mph, marking progress toward FAA certification in the US and imminent commercialization in the UAE.
“Breaking the 50-mile mark at such speeds is a significant move towards commercialization,” stated Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO.
Archer’s pilots will keep pushing the limits in speed and duration to prepare for early operations in the UAE.
Archer Aviation, based in the US, revealed plans to expand operations in the UAE, including pilot training and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) setup, alongside flight testing for further certification and commercialization data in both the UAE and US in upcoming quarters.
Joby’s triumphant piloted flight
Simultaneously, Joby Aviation completed its first piloted flight between two US airports within controlled airspace.
Planning to launch air taxi services in Dubai by mid-2026, Joby’s flight covered 10 nautical miles in 12 minutes, including a holding pattern for air traffic, showcasing their progress toward US regulatory approval.
In February 2024, Joby signed an agreement with Dubai’s RTA to start air taxi services in 2026, also collaborating with Skyports for vertiport construction.
Joby’s flight followed a successful test at Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham in June 2025, flying loops over the facility and desert.
The flight was conducted in FAA-controlled airspace between Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY) airports in California.
“Flying from Marina to Monterey demonstrated our aircraft’s integration into the transport network, ensuring readiness for service,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s president of aircraft development and manufacturing.
“Extensive testing has consistently validated our aircraft’s capabilities in diverse conditions.”
Joby recently began assembling its first aircraft for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight tests, a crucial step for FAA certification, with plans to start testing with FAA pilots next year. Post-certification, Joby aims to offer services in the US, starting in LA and NYC.
Dubai is set to be Joby Aviation’s first international air taxi operation location.
