Air taxi from Joby Aviation, USA
Joby S4launch date, fares and status
Joby is in the fifth and final stage of FAA type certification: its first FAA-conforming test aircraft (N547JX) began flying in March 2026, and it flew a week of demonstration flights around Dallas-Fort Worth under the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) on 10-14 September 2026. As of mid-October 2026 it had not carried paying passengers, and its Dubai launch was still waiting on UAE regulator approval.
How far it has got
- Prototype
- Testing
- Certifying
- Certified
- Flying passengers
Certifying: in formal certification.
This aircraft won't be sold to individuals; you'll book a seat with an operator once service starts.
Once service starts, riders will book it in the Uber app as 'Uber Air powered by Joby'; Joby and Dubai officials are aiming for a Dubai launch before the end of 2026, with U.S. cities following FAA certification.
Watch it fly
Video from Joby Aviation on YouTube. It loads only when you press play.
Key facts
- Dubai is Joby's first planned passenger market, under a six-year exclusive operating deal with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority signed in February 2024.
- Rides will be sold through the Uber app; one booking covers an Uber Black car to the vertiport, the flight, and a car at the other end.
- The UAE regulator certified Joby's first Dubai vertiport, VDX next to Dubai International Airport, in July 2026; further sites include Dubai Mall (Downtown), Atlantis The Royal (Palm Jumeirah), Dubai Marina and American University in Dubai.
- Joby had five aircraft flying and 12 in production as of August 2026.
- Joby has also agreed with Virgin Atlantic to bring its air taxi service to the UK (July 2026).
Fares and how to ride
Specifications
Questions people ask
How much will a Joby air taxi ride cost?
No fare has been announced. Uber, which will sell the rides, says the price should be similar to an Uber Black trip and will be shown as a single per-passenger price before you book. Dubai officials have said early fares will undercut helicopters, with a long-term aim of getting close to normal ride-hailing prices.
When can you ride the Joby S4?
Not yet. Joby and Dubai officials are aiming to open passenger service in Dubai before the end of 2026, but the UAE regulator still has to finish certifying the aircraft and issue Joby an air operator certificate. In the U.S., Joby is targeting first passengers through the federal eIPP pilot program, while regular service depends on FAA type certification.
Do you need a pilot's license to ride the Joby S4?
No. You ride as a passenger, and a commercial pilot employed by the operator flies the aircraft.
Has the Joby S4 actually flown?
Yes. Joby prototypes have flown since 2017, including piloted flights in Dubai in 2025 and a point-to-point flight to Al Maktoum International Airport in November 2025. Its first FAA-conforming aircraft began flight testing in March 2026, and it flew demonstration routes around Dallas-Fort Worth, including into DFW Airport, in September 2026.
Sources
- Joby Aviation: Joby Launches eIPP Flights in Texas (September 2026)
- Joby Aviation: Joby's First FAA-Conforming Aircraft Takes Flight (March 2026)
- Joby Aviation: Get ready for takeoff with Uber and Joby (February 2026)
- Joby Aviation IR: Dubai Air Taxi Network Takes Flight: Joby Completes Landmark Flight and Announces Next Vertiport Locations (November 2025)
- Khaleej Times: UAE flying taxis: Regulator visits Joby and Archer facilities before service launch (October 2026)
- Aviation A2Z: Dubai Unveils First Certified Commercial Vertiport for Electric Air Taxis in the World (July 2026)
- Gulf News: Dubai air taxi fares could eventually match Uber, Careem, says RTA CEO (November 2025)
- The Motley Fool: Joby Aviation (JOBY) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript (August 2026)
- Joby Aviation investor relations: Joby and Virgin Atlantic partnership (July 22, 2026)
Last checked October 17, 2026. Makers revise prices and dates often; confirm with Joby Aviation before paying a deposit. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
