Joby Aviation is making significant strides towards its goal of delivering its first electric aircraft to a customer by 2024 and launching a commercial air taxi service by 2025. In partnership with Toyota, Joby's Aviation production plant in Marina, California has unveiled its initial electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL), thanks to a $180 million investment from Baillie Gifford. This marks an important step towards developing a commercially viable eVTOL for passenger use.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Joby's third full-scale prototype eVTOL a special airworthiness certificate, allowing the aircraft to commence flight testing. Joby's founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed the significance of this milestone, highlighting the organization's commitment to rigorous processes and capabilities. This achievement prepares Joby for the next stage of the certification process and sets the stage for further progress.

With more than 30,000 miles flown on pre-production prototypes since 2019, Joby is building on its experience to achieve FAA type certification. Three out of the five necessary stages of the certification process are already underway, bringing Joby closer to mass-producing FAA-approved eVTOLs. Joby has also obtained its Part 135 air carrier certificate, enabling the company to initiate on-demand commercial air taxi operations. The production prototype aircraft is expected to be deployed at Edwards Air Force Base in 2024 as part of Joby's agreement with the U.S. Air Force, worth up to $131 million, and military airworthiness certification will be crucial in meeting this milestone.

📷: JOBY AVIATION