The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reviewed certification, airworthiness and operating requirements for air-taxi services with Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Separate visits to the companies’ California facilities in October included technical workshops on their eVTOL aircraft and programmes, but did not produce approval for passenger operations or confirm a commercial launch date in the UAE.
The discussions focused on the conditions for safe and efficient operations, including aircraft certification and the regulatory requirements applicable to commercial services. The GCAA described the meetings as part of its continuing cooperation with both manufacturers and its work to integrate advanced air mobility into the UAE aviation system.
Joby has a six-year exclusive agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, signed in February 2024, under which commercial services had been targeted for 2026. Archer is working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, with Abu Dhabi identified as its first planned market. Archer’s Midnight and Joby’s aircraft have previously conducted test flights in the UAE.
Neither programme has yet received a confirmed GCAA type approval, operating authorisation or clearance for commercial passenger flights. Operators will need to satisfy the applicable safety and certification requirements, including obtaining a GCAA air operator certificate. Routes, fares and a binding service-start date remain unconfirmed.