Virgin Atlantic and Joby, an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) developer, have signed an agreement to create an eVTOL service that travel agents will be able to sell.
The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49% stake 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 airports.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 322km per hour.
Journeys in the UK will include a 15-minute flight from Manchester airport to Leeds, or an eight-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, to replace the 80-minute drive by car.
Bookings will first be made available on the Virgin Atlantic app and website. Virgin Atlantic told ttgmedia.com, that the agent booking portal would be launched thereafter.
