Virgin Atlantic to Introduce 200mph Flying Taxis in the UK
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed plans to launch flying taxis in the UK through a new partnership with California-based Joby Aviation. The aircraft, which can reach speeds of up to 200 mph, promise zero-emission, short-range travel that could drastically cut journey times.
For example, a trip from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf is expected to take just eight minutes compared to 80 minutes by car. More details about advanced air transport options are available in our air ambulance aircraft section.
Initial services are set to operate from Heathrow and Manchester Airports, with a Manchester to Leeds journey estimated at just 15 minutes. Each aircraft can carry a pilot and up to four passengers, with reservations possible through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website, and other channels.
Joby’s electric aircraft uses six tilting propellers for vertical take-off and landing, producing only a fraction of the noise of helicopters. Designed for rapid, back-to-back flights of up to 100 miles, the system will be supported by a new network of vertiports across the UK.
The company has already completed thousands of test flights, including demonstrations in New York, Japan, and Korea. This marks one of the most ambitious steps in integrating advanced air mobility into the UK’s transport infrastructure, similar to other innovations in aviation technology.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said the project reflects the airline’s vision for sustainable aviation: “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 flights to airports and cities throughout the UK.”
While no official launch date has been announced, the service is expected to offer prices comparable to premium ridesharing, making it attractive for both commuters and business travelers. If successful, the UK could become one of the first countries in Europe to adopt electric flying taxis on a large scale, pushing forward the future of urban air mobility.
