Joby Aviation Reveals First Electric Air Taxi from Production Line

Joby Aviation, a California-based company focused on developing an all-electric air taxi service, has achieved a significant milestone by producing its inaugural eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle from its pilot production plant in Marina, California. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the production prototype has also obtained a special airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing it to commence flight testing.

Joby Aviation is a transportation company aiming to launch a commercial air taxi service by 2025, utilizing its fleet of eVTOL aircraft. The company’s eVTOL can accommodate four passengers and a pilot, achieve speeds of up to 200 mph, and cover a distance of up to 150 miles on a single charge. Designed to be quiet, safe, and affordable, these aircraft can operate from existing helipads and airports.

Founded in 2009 by entrepreneur and inventor JoeBen Bevirt, Joby Aviation has garnered over $800 million in funding from notable investors such as Toyota, Baillie Gifford, Intel Capital, JetBlue Technology Ventures, and Uber Technologies. In February 2023, the company announced plans to go public through a merger with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Zynga founder Mark Pincus.

Key Milestones Achieved by Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation has achieved significant milestones, positioning it on track to deliver its first eVTOL aircraft to customers by 2024 and launch its air taxi service by 2025. Notable accomplishments include:

• Successful completion of the first aircraft from its pilot production line in Marina, California, in collaboration with Toyota. The production line incorporates advanced manufacturing processes and quality control systems to ensure high safety and reliability standards.
• Receipt of a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA for its production prototype eVTOL, enabling flight testing under specific conditions. This certificate represents a crucial step towards obtaining FAA type certification, which verifies the aircraft design’s compliance with the agency’s airworthiness and noise standards.
• Agreement with the U.S. Air Force to deliver an eVTOL aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in 2024 as part of the Agility Prime program. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and adoption of eVTOL technologies for both military and civilian applications, with Joby Aviation working towards military airworthiness certification for its eVTOL.
• Acquisition of an air carrier certificate from the FAA in May 2022, granting the company authorization to operate on-demand commercial air taxi services within the United States. This certificate marks a significant achievement, being the first of its kind granted to an eVTOL company and affirming Joby Aviation’s adherence to the FAA’s operational and safety requirements.

Future Steps for Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation plans to continue its flight testing program with the production prototype eVTOL while also expanding its aircraft production at the pilot production facility. The company anticipates completing the type certification process with the FAA by 2024, enabling mass production and delivery of eVTOLs based on FAA-approved designs.

Moreover, Joby Aviation intends to enhance its infrastructure and network to support its air taxi service, initially launching in select U.S. markets. The company has partnered with REEF Technology and Neighborhood Property Group to access rooftop parking garages and other suitable locations for its vertiports. Additionally, Joby Aviation has acquired Uber Elevate, Uber’s aerial ridesharing division, enabling access to Uber’s customer base and platform.

Joby Aviation envisions creating a fast, quiet, and convenient transportation service that reduces congestion, pollution, and travel time for urban commuters. The company aims to offer its air taxi service at a cost comparable to driving or taking an UberX ride today.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, jobyaviation.com, electrek.co, msn.com, timesnownews.com, techcrunch.com