BREAKING NEWS: For the first time in history, flying taxis have taken to the skies in front of a live audience in the United States, as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation showcased their electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) during the California International Airshow in Monterey County earlier today. This monumental demonstration marks a significant leap towards urban air mobility, with both companies aiming to start passenger services in the next few years.
In a clear demonstration of innovation, Joby and Archer performed 10-minute flight showcases that captivated attendees. Joby’s eVTOL showcased a range of 150 miles, although it is primarily optimized for shorter urban trips averaging 20 to 30 miles. The aircraft flew quietly above the crowd, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing noise pollution—an essential factor for public acceptance in busy city environments.
“This is the future,” an announcer declared, as the sound of the aircraft hummed gently above the chatter of onlookers. The event highlighted the potential of flying taxis to transform urban commuting, making traffic jams a thing of the past.
Joby Aviation’s aircraft, equipped with six tilting propellers, executed a stunning 540-degree spin during the flight, demonstrating its advanced maneuverability. “It almost sounds like a whoosh,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s president of aircraft OEM. “And that allows it to blend in with the cities and the noise.” The design also aims to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, with both companies facing rigorous testing and certification processes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Joby, founded in 2009, is targeting its first passenger flights by 2026 in Dubai. In contrast, Archer, established just seven years ago, has partnered with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to transport VIPs between key venues, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Los Angeles International Airport.
During the airshow, Joby demonstrated not only its noise-reducing technology but also its cutting-edge cockpit system, which is based on decades of research from NASA and the Air Force. “It takes people about 20 minutes in the simulator, and they’re like totally natural,” Papadopoulos added, highlighting the intuitive design for future pilots.
Archer’s eVTOL, named “Midnight,” took a more conventional flight path, departing from the ground before transitioning to aerial travel. With its twelve propellers, the Midnight is engineered for both vertical and forward flight capabilities, designed to significantly reduce travel times in congested areas like the corridor between Newark Liberty International Airport and downtown Manhattan—currently a noisy helicopter route that could be cut to under 10 minutes.
As the world watches, the race to introduce flying taxis is heating up. Both companies are not only competing in a capital-intensive industry but also working to gain public trust and regulatory approval. The airshow in Monterey County served as a pivotal moment, showcasing the future of urban transportation that promises to reshape how we navigate our cities.
Stay tuned for more updates as Joby and Archer work towards launching their passenger services. The future of commuting is soaring closer than ever!
