Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic signed a definitive agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow, formalizing a partnership first announced in 2025 to bring Joby’s electric air taxi service to the UK. The binding, multi-year commercial framework establishes Virgin Atlantic as Joby’s exclusive airline partner for air taxi services in the country.
The partnership builds on Joby’s existing relationship with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic, bringing together three brands focused on faster, more convenient travel across the UK. Under the agreement, Virgin Atlantic will offer Joby’s air taxi service through its booking platforms, including its mobile app and website, allowing UK travelers to book air taxi connections alongside their long-haul flights. Joby plans to launch service at Virgin Atlantic’s hubs in London and Manchester, with Manchester anchoring connections across the North of England. Early routes are expected to include Manchester Airport to Leeds in approximately 15 minutes and Heathrow to Central London in as little as 8 minutes, journeys that currently take over an hour by car.
Joby will retain sole responsibility for aircraft operations, route management, and securing regulatory approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, while Virgin Atlantic will support infrastructure integration and customer acquisition at both hubs. Joby said it expects to expand the network to additional UK cities and communities over time. Earlier in July, the public had the opportunity to see a full-scale model of Joby’s aircraft at Potters Fields Park in London, across from Tower Bridge.
Joby’s aircraft uses six tilting propellers to take off and land vertically with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters, and is optimized for rapid, back-to-back flights on routes of up to 100 miles. The company has completed thousands of test flights, including recent demonstrations in San Francisco and a point-to-point flight between JFK Airport and Manhattan in New York City. Joby’s aircraft certification is progressing under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the FAA and UK CAA, building on the company’s 2022 validation application. Virgin Atlantic, founded in 1984, employs 9,250 people worldwide and flies to 28 destinations, operating a transatlantic network alongside Delta Air Lines that connects to more than 200 cities globally.
KEY QUOTES:
“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. 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.”
Corneel Koster, CEO, Virgin Atlantic
“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. 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.”
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation
