Kazakhstan Partners with Joby Aviation for eVTOL Air Taxi Service

Kazakhstan Bets on the Future of Mobility with Joby Aviation Partnership

The landscape of urban transportation is on the cusp of a significant transformation, moving from congested ground-level streets to the open skies. In a decisive step toward this future, the Republic of Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a leader in Central Asia’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. A landmark letter of intent signals a new partnership between California-based Joby Aviation, a frontrunner in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG). This collaboration is not merely a commercial transaction; it represents a strategic alignment to build a new transportation ecosystem from the ground up.

At the heart of this initiative is the development of Alatau, a new “smart city” envisioned as a major international hub. The introduction of an air taxi service is a cornerstone of this vision, promising to integrate cutting-edge technology directly into the city’s infrastructure. The agreement with Joby Aviation underscores a broader national strategy to embrace innovative technologies and foster sustainable urban development. By preparing to launch one of the region’s first eVTOL services, Kazakhstan is signaling its ambition to leapfrog traditional transportation challenges and create a model for future cities.

A Multi-Layered Strategic Agreement

The agreement outlines the potential sale of up to $250 million in aircraft and services from Joby Aviation to AAAG. This letter of intent is the first step toward establishing a definitive commercial relationship that will bring Joby’s all-electric air taxis to the skies of Kazakhstan. The partnership is a tripartite effort, with crucial support from the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ministry has committed to developing the necessary regulatory framework and infrastructure, a critical component for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these next-generation aircraft. This government backing is essential for navigating the complexities of certifying and launching a novel form of public transportation.

This collaboration follows what Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, describes as a “proven market-entry playbook.” The strategy involves partnering with both a strategic local operator (AAAG) and the national government to streamline the path to commercial operations. This model has been successful for Joby in other regions, notably the Middle East, where similar agreements have been established in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. For its part, AAAG aims to be the first to introduce eVTOLs in the region, establishing the necessary ground infrastructure and operational expertise.

Beyond the sale of aircraft, the agreement includes a provision for a deeper economic partnership. The parties will collaborate on sourcing critical materials, such as titanium and rare earth metals, from Kazakhstan for the production of Joby’s aircraft. This element adds a significant supply-chain dimension to the deal, creating potential for local economic development and integrating Kazakhstan into the global AAM manufacturing network. It transforms the relationship from a simple buyer-seller dynamic into a more symbiotic partnership focused on mutual growth.

“Kazakhstan is taking a step into the future of innovative transportation. The purchase of electric eVTOL aircraft will mark an important milestone in the development of smart cities and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.”, Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Building a Smart City with the Sky in Mind

The initial deployment of Joby’s air taxi service is planned for Alatau City and the nearby metropolitan area of Almaty. Alatau is not just any city; it is a massive development project spanning 88,000 hectares, an area larger than Singapore. The project is designed from the outset to be a “smart city,” incorporating advanced technologies into its core functions. The integration of an air taxi service is a key feature of this forward-thinking urban planning, intended to provide clean, quiet, and rapid transportation for its future residents and businesses.

Kazakhstan’s interest in urban air mobility is not limited to a single provider. The nation has been actively exploring the sector, as evidenced by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2025 between Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang and Allur Group, a major Kazakh automotive company. This multi-pronged approach suggests a deliberate strategy to foster a competitive and robust UAM ecosystem. By engaging with multiple global leaders in the eVTOL space, Kazakhstan is diversifying its options and accelerating its learning curve in this nascent industry.

The development of Alatau City, which has already broken ground, provides a unique “greenfield” opportunity for deploying air mobility solutions. Unlike established megacities where infrastructure must be retrofitted, Alatau can be designed with vertiports and air corridors in mind. This proactive approach can help overcome many of the logistical and regulatory hurdles that UAM faces in other parts of the world, potentially making Kazakhstan a global showcase for the successful integration of air taxis into urban life.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Urban Development

The partnership between Joby Aviation and stakeholders in Kazakhstan is more than a headline-grabbing deal; it is a tangible step toward realizing the promise of advanced air mobility. It brings together a leading technology provider with a nation committed to innovation and strategic development. The plan to launch air taxi services in the new city of Alatau demonstrates a holistic approach, where transportation is not an afterthought but a foundational element of urban design.

As this initiative moves from a letter of intent to definitive agreements and eventual operation, it will serve as a critical case study for the rest of the world. The success of this collaboration could create a blueprint for how public and private sectors can work together to build the smart, sustainable cities of the future. It highlights a global trend where nations are actively competing to become hubs for next-generation industries, and in the race for the skies, Kazakhstan has just made a powerful move.

FAQ

Question: Who are the main parties involved in this agreement?
Answer: The primary parties are Joby Aviation, the aircraft developer; Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG), the local operator; and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is providing governmental and regulatory support.

Question: What is the Alatau City project?
Answer: Alatau is a new “smart city” being developed in Kazakhstan over an 88,000-hectare area. It is designed to be a major international hub in Central Asia, with advanced technologies, including an air taxi service, integrated into its core infrastructure.

Question: Is this Joby Aviation’s first major international agreement?
Answer: No, this agreement is part of Joby’s broader international strategy. The company has already established significant partnerships in the Middle East, including an agreement for exclusive air taxi operations in Dubai and a memorandum of understanding to introduce its aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

Sources

• Joby Aviation