Joby Aviation has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to launch electric air taxis in the U.K., adding another chapter to the hyped world of future transport. Set to be the seventh country in Joby’s ambitious global conquest, this announcement is all about that dreamy, futuristic vibe we can’t get enough of.

However, before you start imagining yourself sipping artisanal coffee while soaring over London, it’s crucial to keep your expectations under wraps. Joby, the company that went public in 2021 through a SPAC move that was all the rage, hasn’t provided an actual timeline for when we might see these sleek flying machines cruising our skies. So sit tight, we’re not there just yet.

Currently, their eyes are on market testing in Dubai, aiming for late 2025 to start operations there before moving to the U.S. in cities like New York or Los Angeles. But don’t get too attached; timelines can be tricky, especially when it involves the always meticulous Federal Aviation Administration for those sweet, sweet certifications.

As for the U.K. launch, Joby has been playing it cool since applying for validation from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority back in July 2022. Spoiler alert: they’re still waiting.

Under this partnership, Virgin Atlantic will be a major player in distributing Joby’s air taxi services. With Delta already in the mix as a partner (thanks to their half-ownership of Virgin), it’s a monopoly-ish situation, but hey, what’s new? Customers will eventually be able to book seats directly through Virgin’s app. Talk about a seamless connection – if you ignore the fact it’s being built on regulation hurdles and timelines that might stretch to eternity.

The air taxis, designed to ferry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of 200 miles per hour, could make the Leeds to Manchester hop in just 15 minutes. This could redefine quick, casual travel, assuming everything goes according to plan. But let’s be real, innovative transport hasn’t always delivered on its dazzling promises.

So while we hold our breath for the day we can ditch airport lines for vertiports, we also wonder: is the hype worth it? Or will this be another flash in the pan, just like that one time when jumping on a hoverboard seemed like a good idea? Stick around, because this is going to be a ride – both in the air and on the ground.