Dubai breaks ground on the first vertiport at DXB
Dubai has officially broken ground on its first vertiport, a pivotal step towards launching a planned air taxi network led by the US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Joby Aviation (Joby).
Located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the new vertiport is being constructed in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key UAE dignitaries, including HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA; and JoeBen Bervit, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
The DXB vertiport is one of four initial locations that will establish Joby’s network for its upcoming air taxi service in Dubai, anticipated to launch as early as late 2025.
Additional vertiports are planned for Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
Vertiport specifications
The three-storey, 3,100-square-metre- vertiport is designed to connect with Dubai’s multimodal transportation network, offering passengers convenient access to Emirates Metro Station 2, DXB Airport, and a variety of ground transport options.
Furthermore, Joby envisions the facility setting new standards in passenger experience.
Specifically, it will feature rapid charging and conditioning stations for its eVTOLs, outfitted with Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS).
Additionally, the vertiport will include two take-off and landing stands, maximising efficiency and readiness for frequent flights.
“Our air taxi service in Dubai will offer tourists and residents the opportunity to experience a revolutionary travel experience, with faster movement between key destinations and breathtaking views of the city skyline,” noted Bevrit.
He added, “With the start of construction on our air taxi network, our shared vision for electric air taxi service in Dubai is coming to life. I’m grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the government of Dubai for their support and commitment to innovation.”
Moreover, at the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal in September, Joby presented a letter of intent (LoI) to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to initiate the process for its air operator certification in the country.