Joby and Virgin Atlantic to Bring Electric Air Taxi Service to the UK

On July 22, 2026, Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic announced the two companies have signed a definitive agreement to bring electric air taxi service to the United Kingdom, marking a significant step toward the commercialization of advanced air mobility. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the deal formalizes a partnership first revealed in 2025 and establishes Virgin Atlantic as Joby’s exclusive airline partner for air taxi services in the UK.

The multi-year agreement builds on Joby’s existing relationship with Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. Together, the companies aim to create faster and more convenient transportation options for travelers connecting to major airports across the UK.

“This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in our partnership with Joby and a significant step towards bringing electric air taxi services to the UK,” said Corneel Koster, CEO of Virgin Atlantic. “Together, we’ll create more seamless journeys for our customers, making it easier than ever to travel between towns, cities and our airports. Innovation has always been part of Virgin Atlantic’s DNA, and we’re proud to partner with Joby to help shape the future of travel while delivering the premium customer experience we’re known for.”

“Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to a world-class customer experience makes them the right partner to represent Joby in the UK, and this agreement reflects the next step in that relationship,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. ”The UK is one of the most exciting markets for this technology, and this partnership could drive significant opportunities for Joby as we bring air taxi service to some of the country’s busiest cities.”

Under the partnership, Virgin Atlantic will integrate Joby’s air taxi service into its booking platforms, including its website and mobile app. Travelers will be able to reserve electric air taxi connections as part of their overall journey, creating a seamless link between regional destinations and long-haul flights.

Joby plans to begin operations from Virgin Atlantic’s key hubs in London and Manchester. Proposed routes include Manchester Airport to Leeds in about 15 minutes and Heathrow Airport to central London in as little as eight minutes, dramatically reducing travel times that can often exceed an hour by car.

While Virgin Atlantic will help with customer acquisition and airport integration, Joby will remain responsible for aircraft operations, route planning, and obtaining regulatory approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The company ultimately plans to expand service to additional cities and communities throughout the country.

Interest in the concept is already growing. Earlier this month, Joby displayed a full-scale model of its aircraft at London’s Potters Fields Park near Tower Bridge, allowing visitors to experience the cabin and envision future short-hop flights across the region.

Joby’s all-electric aircraft features six tilting propellers that enable vertical takeoff and landing while producing significantly less noise than a helicopter. Designed for rapid back-to-back flights, the aircraft is expected to serve routes of up to 100 miles. With thousands of test flights completed and certification efforts advancing through cooperation between U.S. and UK aviation regulators, the company continues to move closer to launching commercial air taxi operations in one of the world’s busiest aviation markets.