Flying Taxis Are Around the Corner, Delta Air Lines Says

Delta Air Lines and Joby Aviation join forces to revolutionize urban travel with electric air taxis, promising to transform lengthy commutes into swift aerial journeys.

At a Glance

  • Delta Air Lines partners with Joby Aviation to develop Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air taxis
  • eVTOLs can reach speeds of 200 mph with a 100-mile range, offering significant time savings for urban travelers
  • The Federal Aviation Administration has created a new “powered lift” category for eVTOLs
  • Commercial operations could begin within the next couple of years, pending regulatory approvals
  • Air taxis aim to reduce travel times dramatically, such as cutting a two-hour trip to 15 minutes

Delta and Joby’s Vision for Urban Air Mobility

At CES 2025, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize urban transportation through the deployment of electric air taxis. In partnership with aerospace innovator Joby Aviation, Delta aims to introduce a home-to-airport service utilizing Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This initiative seeks to combat ground traffic congestion and significantly reduce commuting times for travelers.

JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, is spearheading efforts to make eVTOL air taxis a reality in the United States. These advanced aircraft are capable of flying at speeds up to 200 mph with a range of approximately 100 miles, all while operating more quietly than traditional helicopters. The potential for transforming urban transportation is substantial, with the promise of turning hours-long commutes into mere minutes.

Regulatory Progress and Challenges

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has taken steps to accommodate this emerging technology by creating a new aircraft category called “powered lift” for eVTOLs. However, additional regulatory approvals are necessary before passenger operations can commence. Joby Aviation has made significant progress in the FAA certification process, completing three of the required five stages.

“We are just a few steps from the finish line. We want to turn what are now one- and two-hour trips into five-minute trips,” Bevirt said.

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Both Joby Aviation and competitor Archer Aviation have faced substantial financial losses since their inception, with Joby losing $1.6 billion and Archer $1.5 billion. To generate revenue, both companies are exploring military contracts while working towards commercial operations.

The Future of Urban Air Travel

Delta Air Lines envisions air taxis as a key component of future mobility solutions, promising substantial advancements in travel speed and passenger convenience. Ed Bastian revealed that these innovative aircraft could be operational within the next couple of years, potentially transforming journeys such as the trip from Westchester County to JFK Airport from a two-hour ordeal to a mere 15-minute flight.

“You will see highways in the sky,” Adam Goldstein predicted, highlighting the transformative potential of eVTOLs in urban transportation.

As Delta celebrates its centennial year, the company is not only looking back at its rich history but also forward to a future where artificial intelligence and collaborations with technology and aerospace companies will play crucial roles. The partnership with Joby Aviation represents a significant step towards realizing this vision of more efficient and accessible air travel.

While the United States progresses towards implementing eVTOL services, it’s worth noting that Dubai may be the first to see commercial eVTOL flights, potentially by the end of this year. This global race to launch air taxi services underscores the widespread recognition of eVTOLs’ potential to revolutionize urban mobility.