Joby Aviation’s First eVTOL Aircraft Receives FAA Approval for Test Flights
On June 28, 2023, Joby Aviation, a leading eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft manufacturer, announced a significant milestone as its first eVTOL aircraft, manufactured on its Pilot Production Line in Marina, United States (US), received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). This marks the beginning of the test flight phase for the pioneering electric aircraft.
The aircraft holds the distinction of becoming the world’s first eVTOL aircraft to be delivered to a customer. Joby is set to transfer the aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in 2024, where it will be operated under Joby’s Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force. The contract, valued at up to $131 million, showcases the growing interest and investment in eVTOL technology for military applications.
Joby Aviation has been at the forefront of eVTOL development, with a track record of flying full-size aircraft since 2017. Its pre-production prototype aircraft have accumulated an impressive 30,000 miles of flight time since 2019. Building on this experience, the newly unveiled production prototype represents a crucial step towards obtaining FAA certification and enabling large-scale production.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating, “This achievement is the culmination of years of investment in our processes and technology, and it marks a major step on our journey to scaled production. We’re proud to have launched production in our home state of California. I’m incredibly grateful to the Joby team for their commitment to ensuring Joby remains the clear leader in this new sector, and to Toyota for sharing their knowledge and experience with us over many years. Their support has been indispensable in helping us reach this point.”
Notably, Toyota, as the project’s largest external shareholder, played a significant role in designing the Pilot Production Line and supporting the production and assembly of the eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration between Joby and Toyota includes a long-term agreement for the supply of powertrain and actuation components, further strengthening their partnership.
Joby’s ambitious plans extend beyond the testing phase. The company aims to initiate commercial passenger operations in 2025, signifying the potential for a new era of electric air transportation that could revolutionize urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
In conclusion, Joby Aviation’s achievement in obtaining FAA approval for its first eVTOL aircraft marks a major advancement in the electric aviation industry, and the company remains committed to its vision of transforming the future of air travel.