Joby Aviation, Inc. is an American mobility company developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly known by the acronym eVTOL. Based in Santa Cruz, California, it is targeting short routes between urban centers, airports and business hubs. Its project aims to shorten certain journeys by using airspace, with an aircraft designed to carry one pilot and four passengers. Its official website is jobyaviation.com.
From aeronautical research to a publicly traded company
Founded in 2009 by JoeBen Bevirt, Joby grew out of work on electric propulsion, flight controls and the integration of aircraft systems. The company developed and tested several generations of prototypes before preparing to put its aircraft into production. Toyota became an investor and industrial partner, contributing in particular its expertise in production methods.
In 2020, Joby announced the acquisition of Uber Elevate, the ride-hailing group’s air mobility business. This transaction strengthened ties between the two companies around future transportation services. Joby went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company to finance its development.
An electric aircraft and a transportation service
Joby’s aircraft uses six tilting propulsors. This configuration allows it to take off vertically and then transition to wing-borne flight, which is better suited to horizontal travel. Electric propulsion avoids direct emissions from combustion during flight. However, the overall environmental footprint also depends on electricity generation, batteries, manufacturing and operating conditions.
Joby is not positioning itself solely as a manufacturer: its model also includes operating trips sold to passengers. It therefore requires expertise in maintenance, pilot training, charging and flight scheduling. In 2022, the company obtained a US Part 135 air carrier certificate. This operating authorization is separate from the type certification required for its new aircraft, which involves a specific technical process with the Federal Aviation Administration.
What comes next?
The transition from test flights to a commercial network depends on several conditions: aircraft certification, production ramp-up and the availability of equipped takeoff sites. In particular, Joby announced an agreement in 2024 to prepare an air taxi service in Dubai. This project illustrates the importance of local partnerships with authorities and infrastructure operators.
Economic viability will depend on fares, aircraft utilization rates and operating costs. Acceptance by local residents, actual operational noise and integration into already busy airspace will also be decisive. For Joby, the challenge is to turn an aeronautical technology into a regular, safe service that is affordable enough to find its place in transportation.