Dubai: A new way to beat traffic may soon take flight in Dubai - air taxis. This week, California-based company Joby Aviation completed the first test flight of its fully-electric air taxi in the city. The aircraft took off and landed vertically, flying a short distance to show how it could work in real life.

The air taxi can travel up to 160 km at a speed of 320 km/hr, with zero emissions and low noise, making it ideal for busy cities. A trip from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah could take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.

Joby has signed a deal with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to operate air taxis in the city for six years. Commercial services are expected to start by 2026, with stations at Dubai Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, and Dubai Marina.