Transatlantic operator Virgin Atlantic is entering into a partnership with Joby Aviation Inc. to offer Electric Vertical Take Off electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flights within England. The partnership builds off an existing agreement between Virgin Atlantic 49% stakeholder Delta Air Lines and Joby. The platform will provide short-range flights across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
National Connectivity
Virgin Atlantic has a neat strategy for the Joby eVTOL aircraft. They will operate routes within the U.K connecting airports to city pairs like London Heathrow hub to canary Warf and Manchester Airport to Leeds. Flights will last a little over 15 minutes as opposed to 80+ minutes by car. Joby expects pricing to be around the same as premium rideshare prices. Where the biggest value proposition comes in handy is time, allowing for quick transfer to and from the airport. The aircraft will carry a pilot and passengers with cruising speeds up to 200 mph. It will take off and land like a helicopter vertically like a helicopter, then will transition the rotors to forward facing to cruise like an aircraft. Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to reserve seats through the Virgin Atlantic App. Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK. Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.” Currently no timeline has been given for when the first flight will commence. Nonetheless it is an exciting opportunity in the pipeline.
Leave a Reply