Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, has signed an agreement with South Korean's SK Telecom to work together to launch aerial ridesharing services across South Korea, the companies announced this week.
Joby is developing a piloted aircraft for four passengers that has a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge, a top speed of 200 miles per hour and a low-noise profile. The partners intend to use SK's T Map mobility platform and UT ride-hailing service to provide trips integrating both ground and air travel, according to the companies. UT was established as a joint venture between SK Telecom and Uber in 2021.
Joby and Uber have been partners since 2019. Joby acquired the ride-hailing company's aerial-focused division Uber Elevate as part of Uber's $75 million investment made in December 2020. In all, Uber reportedly has invested $125 million in the company.
The aerial aircraft developer went public last year via a merger with special purpose acquisition company Reinvent Technology Companies. Toyota Motor Corp. and JetBlue Airways also are investors in Joby.
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