Latest news with #RoadandTransportAuthority
CNBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Joby Aviation stock pops 14% after delivering first flying taxi to UAE
Joby Aviation stock soared about 14% as the flying air taxi maker got closer to launching a service in the United Arab Emirates. The electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, company said Monday that it delivered its first aircraft to the UAE and has completed piloted flight tests as it readies for a 2026 launch in the region. "Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide," said founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt in a release. He called the Middle East nation a "launchpad for a global revolution in how we move." Joby's planned launch in the UAE was announced in February 2024 as part of an agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority. The deal included exclusive rights to conduct air taxi service in Dubai for six part of the project, Joby said in November that it began building one vertiport at Dubai International Airport, with three additional locations slated for Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's downtown and marina. Joby also announced an air taxi agreement with three Abu Dhabi government departments in 2024. The California-based company has made other expansion moves in the Middle East. Shares jumped earlier this month after Saudi Arabian firm Abdul Latif Jameel announced a roughly $1 billion investment for up to 300 eVTOLs. The firm participated in Joby's Series C funding round. Joby shares have surged more than 32% this year, swelling its market capitalization to over $9 billion. Demand for air taxis, which take off and land similar to helicopters, has gained momentum in recent years. The service faces regulatory and safety hurdles but has been lauded for its ability to cut traffic congestion and slash emissions. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that included a pilot program for testing electric air taxis.
The Verge
3 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Joby delivers first aircraft to Dubai as air taxi service nears launch
Joby Aviation is getting ready to take flight. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company has delivered its first production aircraft to Dubai, where it plans to launch a commercial air taxi service in early 2026. Joby, which has successfully completed multiple flight tests with a pilot onboard, says it has begun in-market testing ahead of the anticipated launch of commercial operations. It's a significant milestone for Joby, which has been developing the technology to power its multi-rotor aircraft since 2009. And its a significant milestone for the fledgling air taxi sector, which has been leaning on hype and promises for the future of air travel to attract investors and potential clients while its aircraft trudge through years of safety testing and certification. Dubai is aiming to become a launchpad for advanced air mobility, granting Joby a six-year exclusive operating agreement last year. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit, provides Joby with regulatory and financial support from Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The company has said it will begin operations from four planned vertiports, including Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah. It's a significant milestone for Joby, which has been developing the technology to power its multi-rotor aircraft since 2009. In addition to the delivery in Dubai, Joby is also making progress here in the United States. The company is about to begin a process mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration called Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), in which the FAA sends its own pilots to test out Joby's aircraft. TIA signals the final stage of testing before commercial passenger operations can begin. 'In my view,' said Paul Sciarra, chair of Joby's board of directors, in an interview, 'this combination — both the beginnings of commercial service in a big international city, plus the real last lap of the certification program — I think are going to be the two things that gear shifts this in people's mind from, 'Gosh, this is awesome, like, when's it going to show up?' to 'Holy crap, it's happening tomorrow.'' In addition to test flights, the company plans on conducting a series of demonstration flights along the routes it plans on flying. Then it will shift to commercial trips by the end of this year or early next, he said. Sciarra also said the environmental conditions in Dubai present a unique challenge, with average temperatures usually around 110 degrees. Maintaining reliable air conditioning in the aircraft will be crucial for passenger comfort, he said. And there are a lot more 'boxes to check' before commercial flights can commence, including training on-the-ground mechanics and flight crews. 'I think we're getting ever closer to that moment when people are going to be able to go to a place and book a flight on this service, or see these aircraft flying over a place that they're familiar with,' Sciarra said. 'That's not years away. That's like months away at this point.' Joby's all-electric aircraft has six rotors and seats five, including the pilot. The vehicle can take off vertically, like a helicopter, and then shift into forward flight using tilt rotors. Joby says it can reach a top speed of 200mph, travel 150 miles on a single battery charge, and is 100 times quieter than a conventional aircraft. Its pouch-style lithium-ion batteries power the craft's six electric motors for at least 10,000 flight cycles, according to Joby's founder JoeBen Bevirt. Joby is also ramping up manufacturing, making it the first eVTOL maker to deliver multiple production aircraft. The company now has five aircraft in its test fleet, including a hybrid hydrogen-electric variant. A second aircraft was recently delivered to the US Air Force as part of its ongoing defense partnerships. Joby has received approximately $1 billion in outside investment, including $750 million from Toyota. Still, the company has struggled to meet financial expectations, reporting $0 in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. Joby is hoping Dubai will set the stage for its inevitable launch in the US, including key markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Florida. And as its manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, starts churning out more aircraft, the company expects that it will really take flight. 'The broader external question,' Sciarra said, 'is how many markets can we credibly address in this near term?'
Time Out Dubai
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
RTA announces major expansion for Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall Metro Station
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Emaar Properties, announces huge plans for the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The revolutionary project proposes to expand the station's area by 65 per cent, with its hourly capacity jumping from 7250 to 12,320 passengers. Once complete, the station will serve up to 220,000 passengers per day. The plans aim to accommodate growing passenger demand, particularly around New Year's Eve, public holidays and major events. You might also like: 18 renamed Dubai Metro stations (and their true meanings explained) His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority explained the rationale behind the exciting expansion. 'The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is a key hub in the Dubai Metro network, thanks to its strategic location near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Downtown. He continued, 'It serves as a convenient and efficient gateway for residents and visitors, particularly during large-scale events and holidays, particularly New Year's Eve, Eids, national events and public holidays.' 'This expansion project responds to sustained and rising demand for metro services, with projections extending to 2040. Passenger numbers during New Year's Eve exceed 110,000, and the station has recorded an average annual ridership growth of 7.5% over the past five years,' he stated. He said the station upgrade will boost both size and experience, increasing from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres and introducing a range of improvements for travellers. There'll be improved entrances and pedestrian bridges to make it easier to get in and out, bigger concourse and platform areas, more escalators and lifts, and separate gates for entry and exit to help things flow better. They're also adding more fare gates, expanding retail spaces, and improving connections with other transport options. Even the landscaping is getting a refresh. Things to do in Dubai Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 50 free things to do in Dubai You won't believe what you can do 47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE For you and the little ones
What's On
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
Public transport: Dubai to get 637 eco-friendly buses
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced that its adding to its fleet of buses and have ordered 637 public buses to grace the roads of Dubai. The buses are worth a large Dhs1.1 billion and are sure to assist in the development of public transport around the city. The buses are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026 and there will be various types including 40 electric ones. The announcement was shared after four major agreements were made and, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, witnessed the signing at UITP Global Public Transport Summit. RTA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese company BYD, to pilot the operation of an electric bus equipped with the latest technologies and battery systems offered by the company. The trial will take place in Dubai over a period that includes the summer season. The buses will meet the European 'Euro 6' low-emission standards, highlighting the RTA's commitment to support Dubai's sustainability goals and aiming to have a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050. شهد معالي مطر الطاير المدير العام ورئيس مجلس المديرين في هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، على هامش مشاركة الهيئة في أعمال القمة العالمية للمواصلات العامة، توقيع أربع اتفاقيات توريد 637 حافلة متعددة الأحجام، مطابقة للمواصفات الأوروبية الخاصة بالانبعاثات الكربونية المنخفضة، 'يورو 6″، بينها… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 19, 2025 RTA recently announced a bus pooling service for Dubai commuters. The service offers door-to-door service at affordable prices tailored to your daily routine, and delivered by fully licensed and RTA-regulated operators. The initiatives by RTA are mainly focused on improving the traffic flow around the city and making commuters lives easier. There are 40 places in Dubai to be improved over the summer as schools close and people jet off around the world. Image: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uber and WeRide to introduce self-driving vehicles in Dubai
Uber and WeRide have teamed up with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to advance autonomous vehicle (AV) mobility in the city. The collaboration will integrate AVs into Uber's platform, with Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide as the first technology partner. Uber Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations Global Head Noah Zych said: 'We're thrilled to be working with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting with our technology partner WeRide. 'At Uber, we're building the future of transportation, working with the world's leading autonomous vehicle developers to help commercialize and deploy this technology at scale around the world. 'With WeRide as our first AV technology partner in the UAE, we're providing riders with a reliable and forward-thinking mobility solution that aligns with the country's ambitions for smart cities and future transport.' Under the agreement, Uber and RTA will conduct pilot programmes to match riders with AVs using the former's technology while ensuring a 'seamless' user experience. The partnership will also focus on data analysis, safety measures, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the transition to autonomous mobility in Dubai. This initiative expands Uber's global efforts in AV technology, adding Dubai to its list of markets working with industry leaders to implement self-driving solutions. WeRide chief financial officer and head of international business Jennifer Li said: 'Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East as well as our continued global expansion. 'We believe our advanced autonomous driving technology and operational experience combined with Uber's powerful global mobility platform will help us serve millions of consumers in cities around the world.' In July 2023, WeRide secured the national licence for self-driving vehicles on public roads in UAE. Its AVs were commercially launched in Abu Dhabi through Uber in December 2024. Lats month, WeRide obtained a Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit in France. This was achieved in collaboration with French autonomous mobility network operator beti, making WeRide the only technology firm with driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US. "Uber and WeRide to introduce self-driving vehicles in Dubai" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
