BREAKING: Joby Aviation has just completed the first piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi flight in California, marking a significant milestone in aviation. The flight, which occurred earlier today, shuttled passengers between Marina Airport and Monterey Regional Airport, covering approximately 10 nautical miles in just 12 minutes.
This pioneering flight featured a vertical takeoff, transition to wingborne flight, and a vertical landing, showcasing Joby’s innovative aircraft integrated into the existing transportation network. The journey included a five-minute holding pattern at Monterey for air traffic spacing, underscoring the operational readiness of Joby’s air taxi service.
Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby, stated, “Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated in the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we’re prepared for service on day one.” He emphasized that this achievement builds on years of rigorous flight testing, validating the aircraft’s capabilities across diverse environmental conditions.
This flight is a culmination of extensive testing, with Joby boasting over 40,000 flight miles logged across its fleet. The company has also initiated the final assembly of its first aircraft to undergo Type Inspection Authorization testing, a crucial step toward gaining certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Joby plans to commence flight tests with FAA pilots early next year, moving closer to its goal of launching commercial service in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York City.
The implications of this development are profound. As urban air mobility continues to evolve, Joby’s successful flight illustrates a potential shift in how people will travel in densely populated areas, offering a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional ground transport.
Stay tuned for more updates as Joby Aviation continues to push the boundaries of aerial transportation and work towards a future where air taxis are part of everyday travel.
