Joby Aviation is making strides towards launching commercial air taxi services in Dubai, according to Bonny Simi, the company’s President of Operations. With her background as an Olympian and a Master’s degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, Simi is at the forefront of developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology aimed at transforming urban air travel.

Simi describes Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft as a significant innovation, emphasizing its first-mover advantage in the industry. The company is backed by major investors, including Uber and Toyota, and its fully electric aircraft aims to minimize noise pollution and operate without the need for traditional runways. This positions Joby as a leader in the eVTOL sector, with plans to initiate commercial passenger service by 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Simi detailed the company’s strategic partnerships, including one with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports, to develop networks of landing locations across the city. She confirmed that the first aircraft will be delivered to Dubai this year, allowing for initial in-market operations testing as they prepare for service launch.

Simi expressed her commitment to enhancing the quality of life through this new mobility service, stating, “We’re focused on bringing to market a rapid mobility service that will improve the quality of life for everyone.” She highlighted that Joby’s aircraft is designed to be “a hundred times quieter than a helicopter,” producing zero in-flight emissions while providing passengers with spacious seating and panoramic views.

With nearly 15 years of development behind them, Joby Aviation has faced numerous engineering challenges to bring its aircraft to market. Simi noted that they are working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE to meet regulatory requirements, including obtaining their Air Operator Certificate, which they applied for in September of last year.

Simi’s journey from an Olympic athlete to a leader in aviation reflects her belief in the power of determination and innovation. She mentioned the inspiring opportunity to create a transformative future in aviation, stating that they are reimagining the relationship between people and the sky. Joby’s eVTOL can travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h) and has a range of over 150 miles (241 km) on a single charge, making it a viable alternative to traditional ground transportation in congested urban areas.