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In a major breakthrough for the advancement of air mobility, Joby Aviation has secured an exclusive six-year deal with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, grants Joby the rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, with initial operations targeted to begin as early as 2025.

Under the agreement, Joby will work closely with Skyports, who will design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai. The launch locations for Dubai’s air taxi service have been identified as Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown.

Joby’s aircraft, which was showcased in the region for the first time at the World Governments Summit, is capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The company expects the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to take just 10 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to the 45-minute drive by car.

The agreement between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA marks a significant milestone for the advancement of air mobility, providing a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors to Dubai. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed his excitement about partnering with the government of Dubai to bring sustainable air travel to the forefront.

“Today’s landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service – a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys,” Bevirt said. “We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, echoed Bevirt’s sentiments, stating that the air taxi service is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies and offer a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors.

The collaboration between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA is seen as a significant step towards realizing the vision of advanced air mobility (AAM), which seeks to revolutionize the way people travel by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative business models. With the backing of prominent investors such as Toyota and Intel, Joby Aviation is well-positioned to lead the charge in making AAM a reality.

The exclusive six-year deal between Joby and the RTA raises questions about the role of government support in fostering the growth of AAM. While some argue that government involvement is essential to facilitate the transition to new modes of transportation, others believe that the private sector should take the lead in driving innovation and adoption.

Regardless of one’s position on the matter, there is no denying that the partnership between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA marks a significant step forward for AAM. As the technology continues to evolve and gain traction, it is likely that we will see similar collaborations emerge in other regions, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.

Via: https://ir.jobyaviation.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/87/joby-to-launch-air-taxi-service-in-uae

With all the hate around flying, destruction of private plans, and a movement without a clear leader, it’s difficult to make sense of what the protestors are demonstrating.

1. AAM – Sustainability: The Emission Footprint

The recent backlash against private jets and the call for sustainable practices in the aviation industry have sparked a much-needed conversation about the impact of human activities on the environment. However, the discussion has largely focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, neglecting the broader spectrum of harmful emissions.

2. The Tricky Business of Measuring Emissions

Measuring the scope of carbon emissions is a complex task, as highlighted in a Bloomberg article ( Measuring the scope of carbon emission is notoriously tricky, as this Bloomberg article https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-14/why-the-scope-of-carbon-emissions-is-hard-to-gauge-quicktake?cmpid=BBD012224_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240122&utm_campaign=greendaily ) . The process is susceptible to manipulation, and the actual impact of emissions can be obscured by creative accounting methods. Moreover, the focus on CO2 emissions alone can distract from the larger picture of environmental damage caused by human activities.

3. The Real Culprit: Maritime Industry

While the spotlight shines brightly on private jets and air travel, the maritime industry quietly reigns supreme as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The sector accounts for approximately 60% of global transportation emissions, with the majority coming from container ships and tankers. The colossal carbon footprint of the maritime industry dwarfs that of air travel, yet it receives significantly less attention.

4. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas: A Case Study

The recently launched Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, exemplifies the paradox of modern luxury travel. Boasting impressive dimensions and amenities, the vessel consumes vast amounts of energy, resulting in substantial emissions. According to a Bloomberg analysis (  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-22/royal-caribbean-s-icon-of-the-seas-highlights-climate-impact-of-cruises?cmpid=BBD012224_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240122&utm_campaign=greendaily ), a person taking a 1,200-mile cruise on the most efficient cruise line would produce roughly double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as flying and staying in a four-star hotel.

The irony lies in the fact that cruise ships often sail at near capacity, indicating that passengers prioritize space and comfort over sustainability. Furthermore, the majority of cruise ship passengers fly to embarkation ports, thereby compounding their carbon footprint.

The International Council on Clean Transportation examined https://theicct.org/marine-cruising-flying-may22/ in 2022, the carbon footprint of cruising as compared to a hotel stay plus air travel fr further reference. 

5. A Call for Holistic Solutions

STAX Technologies’ ( https://www.staxengineering.com/ ) Bob Sharp offers valuable insights into the intricacies of measuring emissions and proposes solutions to mitigate the negative effects of maritime transport ( https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-09/california-ports-of-long-beach-and-los-angeles-deploy-air-pollution-capture-tech?cmpid=BBD020924_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240209&utm_campaign=greendaily ). By addressing the root causes of pollution and promoting holistic approaches to sustainability, we can move beyond the narrow focus on CO2 emissions and tackle the broader challenge of environmental protection.

6. China’s Continued Dominance in EV Market

While the Western world exhibits signs of cooling interest in electric vehicles (EVs), China continues to assert its dominance in the market. The country is on track to exceed 50% market share for new vehicles in the next 18 months, according to data from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

This development coincides with alarming reports that the planet has already surpassed 1.5°C warming and may reach 2°C within the decade. The urgent need for sustainable transformations across industries cannot be ignored.

The debate surrounding private jets and sustainability must expand to include the entire gamut of harmful emissions and environmentally detrimental practices. By acknowledging the magnitude of the maritime industry’s impact and adopting comprehensive strategies for reduction, we can work towards a greener future. The time for selective attention and half measures has passed; the clock demands concerted action.

#EVs #ev #electricdrive #climate #climateimpact

Breaking News

At CES 2024, Hyundai’s Supernal brand showcased its latest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the S-A2 ( https://www.supernal.aero/aircraft/ ), marking a significant step forward in the company’s mission to revolutionize urban air mobility. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the S-A1, the S-A2 promises to deliver enhanced performance, efficiency, and safety features.

1. Evolution of Design

The S-A2 maintains the sleek and futuristic design of the S-A1, but with noticeable improvements. The V-tail configuration remains, but the new model sports a larger cabin to accommodate four passengers, in addition to the pilot. According to Supernal, the S-A2 is designed for “typical city operations,” with a top speed of 120 miles per hour and a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet.

2. Quiet and Environmentally Friendly

One of the standout features of the S-A2 is its impressively low noise level. Supernal claims that the aircraft produces only 65 decibels during vertical take-off and landing, roughly equivalent to the sound of a dishwasher. While cruising horizontally, the noise level drops to an astonishing 45 decibels, making it an extremely neighbor-friendly option for urban transportation.

3. Distributed Electric Propulsion

The S-A2 employs a distributed electric propulsion architecture, which incorporates eight all-tilting rotors. Not only does this design contribute to the aircraft’s remarkable silence, but it also enhances stability and control during flight. Supernal assures that the S-A2’s propulsion system is both efficient and safe, with the capability to handle 25 to 40 mile trips initially.

4. Interior Modularity and Battery Upgradability

As Supernal moves towards Type Certification, the company is placing increased emphasis on interior modularity and battery upgradability. These features will enable the S-A2 to adapt to diverse customer requirements and evolving technological advancements. The modular design allows for effortless customization of the cabin, ensuring that the aircraft can cater to various passenger needs and comfort levels.

5. Vertiport Innovation

Alongside the S-A2, Supernal also showcased its cutting-edge vertiport design at CES 2024. The large, bold structure is specifically crafted to accommodate the unique demands of eVTOL aircraft. While the vertiport’s practicality may raise questions, Supernal’s commitment to innovation and problem-solving is undeniable. As the company continues to push the boundaries of urban air mobility, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the future.

Hyundai’s Supernal S-A2 eVTOL aircraft is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. With its enhanced performance capabilities, reduced noise pollution, and environmentally friendly design, the S-A2 represents a significant leap forward in urban air mobility. As Supernal continues to refine its technology and push towards Type Certification, the skies are set to welcome a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation.

6. Noise, Acoustics, and More

Analysis of noise distributions at heliports and vertiports: A guide for site selection and land use planning. https://www.jairm.org/index.php/jairm/article/view/403

7. Electra Surpassed 2,000 eSTOL Pre-Orders

That’s it for electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) manufacturer Electra that has reached the symbolic 2,000 pre-order bar. And that’s a tall order considering the company’s interesting past.

If you are not aware of the potential of eSTOL, let us bend your ear. In the highly complex world of crystal ball guessing where the advanced air mobility (AAM) is heading, two competing segments are vying for the leading role. Electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) versus electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and urban air mobility (UAM) versus regional air mobility, we’ll call RAM. The potentials couldn’t be more different and still somehow overlap.