What is an eVTOL aircraft?

eVTOL stands for "electric vertical takeoff and landing" aircraft. Unlike traditional aircraft that need runways, these vehicles can take off and land vertically like helicopters, but they use electric motors and multiple rotors. They're designed to be quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly than helicopters, making them ideal for urban air mobility services like flying taxis.

Why is Joby's flight in Dubai significant?

Joby Aviation's successful piloted flight in Dubai represents a major milestone for the urban air mobility industry. It demonstrates that eVTOL technology is moving from concept to commercial reality. Dubai is actively working to establish the world's first commercial air taxi network, so this successful test brings the entire industry closer to widespread adoption and revenue generation.

What is urban air mobility (UAM)?

Urban air mobility refers to transportation systems that use the airspace above cities for moving people and goods. It includes services like air taxis, cargo delivery drones, and emergency medical transport. UAM aims to reduce traffic congestion on roads by creating efficient transportation networks in the sky, potentially transforming how people travel in and between cities.

How do solid-state batteries relate to flying taxis?

Solid-state batteries represent a next-generation battery technology that could be transformative for electric aircraft. Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer higher energy density (longer flight range), improved safety (reduced fire risk), faster charging, and longer lifespans. These characteristics are especially important for eVTOL aircraft, where weight, safety, and operational efficiency are critical concerns.

What are the advantages of investing in the entire UAM value chain?

Investing across the entire urban air mobility value chain, rather than just in aircraft manufacturers, helps diversify your exposure to this emerging industry. While eVTOL makers face regulatory hurdles and certification challenges, technology suppliers may see revenue sooner by serving multiple aircraft programs. Additionally, if one particular aircraft design fails to succeed, the component and infrastructure companies can still thrive by supporting the winners.

16 handpicked stocks

Dubai's Flying Taxis

Joby Aviation's successful flights in Dubai are taking air taxis from sci-fi to reality. These carefully selected companies represent the entire urban air mobility ecosystem, from aircraft manufacturers to the technology providers making sky transport possible.

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Updated 2 days ago | Published at juillet 1