Virgin Atlantic Signs Air Taxi Deal for UK

Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis, and Virgin Atlantic signed a definitive agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow, formalizing the partnership announced in 2025 to bring Joby's air taxi service to the UK.

The agreement establishes Virgin Atlantic as Joby's exclusive airline partner for air taxi services in the UK, building on Joby's partnership with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic.

"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."

Virgin Atlantic will offer Joby's air taxi service through its booking platforms. Joby plans to launch service at hubs in London and Manchester, with routes to include Manchester to Leeds in about 15 minutes and Heathrow to Central London in as little as 8 minutes.

Joby will retain responsibility for aircraft operations and CAA regulatory approvals; Virgin Atlantic will support infrastructure integration and customer acquisition.

Joby's aircraft uses six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff and landing, deployed on routes of up to 100 miles.