California-based Joby Aviation is partnering with Virgin Atlantic to introduce electric air taxis in the UK. This marks Joby’s seventh planned market.

Joby originally aimed to launch in New York or Los Angeles in 2025, but Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification delays may impact that schedule.

In the UK, it is awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority after submitting its validation application in July 2022.

Under the agreement, Joby will be Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) distribution partner in the UK, following a similar deal with Delta Air Lines.

Virgin passengers will book flights through the airline’s website and app, with initial routes connecting London Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Virgin will not invest financially but will support Joby with marketing, regulatory processes, and landing infrastructure development.

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, designed for a pilot and four passengers, can fly up to 200 miles per hour. While still in early deployment, Joby is working to meet regulatory requirements and scale operations.