Delta Air Lines Inc. has partnered with a California-based aviation company to launch a new premium “home to airport” initiative.
In mid-October, Delta Air Lines announced that it had partnered with the California-based transportation company Joby Aviation to roll out a premium “airbus transit to airports” service for customers beginning in Los Angeles and New York.
“This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Delta to deliver a time-saving, uniquely premium home-to-airport solution for customers in key markets we’ve been investing and innovating in for many years,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement.
Joby Aviation has developed an all-electric, vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicle capable of carrying up to four passengers without emitting greenhouse gases or producing the thunderous sound of a jet engine.
Not only does the aircraft have a low noise profile, but the eVTOL can also deliver rapid transit to customers who wish to avoid standard road traffic. This is due to the aircraft’s ability to take off and land from a vertical orientation, according to a press release.
Although specific partnership details between Delta and Joby remain under wraps, the collaboration could yield positive results for both companies.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines made an initial $60 million investment into Joby earlier this year with plans to award an additional $200 million in funding based on the success of the collaboration.
To date, Joby’s eVTOL aircraft has successfully completed more than 1,000 test flights and established itself as fast, reliable, and efficient. Joby has received its Part 135 operator’s license as well as a G-1 safety rating from the FAA.
In 2019, Joby partnered with Uber to offer air taxi services with a scheduled debut sometime in 2023, according to a press release from the aviation company.
