Jetex partnership to help Joby’s ambition of being first UAE eVTOL operator
December 10, 2024
Executive aviation manager and charter provider Jetex is to collaborate with Joby for the integration of its eVTOL across the former’s network of private terminals across the Middle East.
“Integrating Joby’s electric air taxis into our network allows us to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable travel experiences, starting in the UAE,” explained Jetex CEO and founder Adel Mardini. Joby CEO and founder JoeBen Bevirt added: “With their strategically positioned terminals and focus on delivering unparalleled customer experience, this collaboration is a significant milestone in advancing sustainable air travel in the region”.
The collaboration builds on Joby’s ambition (announced in September) to become the first certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates – having announced it is to initiate an application for air operator certification with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). A further multilateral agreement signed with various key stakeholders also “lays the groundwork for Joby to establish and scale air taxi services in the Emirate and unlocks the potential for inter-emirate services,” explained Joby.
Jetex’s VIP terminals include a flagship location at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, providing “seamless access to key financial, tourist, and entertainment destinations within the UAE”.
Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph over a maximum range of 100 mile; something its manufactuer has previously said “would enable fast and clean air travel both within Abu Dhabi and across the wider UAE, with a journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking around 30 minutes compared with around two hours by car during rush hour”.
Jetex’s current fleet available to charter includes a diverse array of aircraft; ranging from the Boeing Business Jet through a variety of makes and models to the Hawker 850XP. Jetex states that its key focus on sustainability is demonstrated by its new partnership with Joby, with the integration of its aircraft “highlighting Jetex’s ongoing efforts to drive eco-conscious advancements in private aviation”.
