The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% in Virgin Atlantic, to launch a service in the US and UK.
Through the partnership, Virgin Atlantic aims to offer zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from the carrier’s Manchester and Heathrow hubs.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph.
Journeys in the UK could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester airport to Leeds, or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car.
Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft via the airline’s app, website and other channels. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told TTG: "We will look to work with travel agents soon. However, we do not have that level of detail yet."
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss 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.”
A Joby spokesperson said its electric air taxi uses six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically "with a fraction of the noise produced by today’s helicopters".
The aircraft is optimised for rapid, back-to-back flights and is expected to be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles. Joby has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea.
JoeBen Bevirt, Joby founder and chief executive, added: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers is unparalleled and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK.
"Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
