Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Joby Aviation has issued the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) a letter of intent to apply for an air operator certificate, marking its first step toward becoming a certified commercial air taxi operator in the Middle East.&nbsp;
Company founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt presented the letter of intent to GCAA director general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi this week during the ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Summit in Montreal, Canada.&nbsp;
Earlier this year, the California-based eVTOL developer announced several agreements with officials in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to launch electric air taxi services in the emirate states. In February, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-12/dubai-gives-joby-exclusive-rights-local-evtol-air-taxi-market">Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority</a> signed an agreement with Joby granting the manufacturer exclusive access to Dubai’s local eVTOL air taxi market for six years.&nbsp;
Two months later, Joby signed a memorandum of understanding with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-25/abu-dhabi-backs-evtol-air-taxi-services-archer-and-joby">Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport</a> to launch air taxi operations there, too. That agreement was also backed by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development and the Department of Culture and Tourism.
“There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks, delivering fast, clean and quiet journeys using our revolutionary aircraft,” said Bevirt.&nbsp;
Joby received its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-05-26/joby-receives-part-135-operating-certificate-faa">Part 135</a> operating certificate from the FAA in 2022. The company aims to have its piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft certified for commercial air taxi operations in the U.S. in 2025, with services launching in the UAE in late 2025 or 2026. To earn its GCAA operating certificate, Joby will follow a five-stage application process in which it will “develop a full complement of air taxi operating manuals, undergo inspections of its UAE-based facilities, and complete GCAA observation of pilot and aircraft mechanic training as well as flight operations,” the company said in a statement.
“The letter of intent for the operator certificate application from Joby Aviation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global leader in eVTOL operations,” said Al Suwaidi. “Our readiness to support these advanced technologies underscores our commitment to fostering advanced air mobility solutions that will be part of the future of transportation in the UAE and beyond.”

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Joby Aviation Applies for eVTOL Air Operator Certificate in UAE

Commercial eVTOL air taxi services could launch in the Gulf state in 2026

Joby Aviation has told the United Arab Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority it will apply for an air operator certificate for eVTOL air taxi operations.

Joby Applies for eVTOL Air Operator Certificate in UAE

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

NATA is advising FBOs to coordinate with operators on changes

TSA Finalizes Security Updates for Part 380 Operations

Duffy served in the House from 2011 to 2019 as a Republican representing a district in Wisconsin

Sean Duffy Receives Bipartisan Support for Top DOT Post

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

VFR and UAS operations suspended, special rules and ASOC coordination in place January 20

FAA Issuing Temporary Flight Restrictions for Inauguration

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

NBAA urged quick confirmation

Senate Panel To Hold Duffy Hearing for Top DOT Post

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Noncompliance could result in steep fines

New UK ETA Rules Mean Compliance Changes for Operators

Agency needs more time to go live with online portal for U.S. agent of service designation

FAA Delays U.S. Agent Deadline for Foreign Entities

Matt Thurber

Protecting tribal lands and practices is a goal of the air tour management plan

FAA and Park Service Ending Canyon de Chelly Air Tours

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Joby Aviation

More In Regulations and Government