URGENT UPDATE: Joby Aviation has officially entered the race for flying taxis, led by industry veteran Eric Allison, who previously spearheaded initiatives at both Uber and Zee.Aero. Just weeks after a successful demonstration at the California International Airshow, where the company showcased its aircraft to 50,000 attendees, the future of urban air mobility is becoming a tangible reality.
Allison, now the Chief Product Officer at Joby, has a remarkable history in the flying taxi sector, having navigated through multiple startup cycles since 2010. His journey began with Zee.Aero, backed by Google cofounder Larry Page, and continued through a pivotal role at Uber’s Elevate division. In 2020, Uber sold its Elevate division to Joby for $75 million, marking a significant investment in the future of air travel.
The latest developments at Joby are particularly crucial as the company aims to provide an Uber-like service for flying cars, merging advanced engineering with a practical business model. “For me, it was kind of a nice way of putting two big pieces together,” Allison remarked in a recent interview.
Joby’s aircraft promises to revolutionize urban transportation. Imagine booking a ride via the Uber app, selecting the Joby option, and within minutes, boarding an aircraft that speeds you from Manhattan to JFK Airport in under seven minutes. This seamless experience aims to alleviate the stress of traditional travel, offering a glimpse of the future of transportation.
Allison’s vision is grounded in years of innovation. He believes the technology is no longer speculative, stating, “We’re no longer convincing people that this is possible.” With recent demonstrations showcasing Joby’s capabilities, the skepticism surrounding flying taxis is beginning to fade.
Looking ahead, Joby is poised for rapid growth, with plans to expand its services to urban centers worldwide. While the company is focused on perfecting the technology, Allison emphasizes, “I’ll be excited about the first passenger, but I’ll be really excited for our 100,000th passenger.”
As Joby Aviation continues to develop its flying taxi service, all eyes are on Allison and his team. The vision of flying cars is no longer a distant dream; it’s becoming an imminent reality. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking journey in urban air mobility.
