Joby Aviation Moves A Step Closer to Certification

The California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer has begun FAA conformity testing of its air taxi prototype.

Thom Patterson

Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 12:22 PM ET

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Joby Aviation says it expects its air taxi to be certified by 2023 and to enter service by 2024. [Courtesy Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation has officially entered the implementation phase of the FAA type certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, beginning initial conformity tests on composite materials.
This marks a significant step towards their goal of launching an aerial ridesharing service, with anticipated FAA certification in 2023 and commercial service beginning in 2024.
The Uber-backed company plans to operate air taxi services and recently partnered with SK Telecom to bring its eVTOL aircraft to South Korea.
Joby's eVTOL aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 150 miles on a single charge, reaching speeds of 200 mph, offering clean and convenient urban aerial transportation.

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Hailing it as a significant moment, California-based Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) Thursday announced its first entry into the implementation phase of the FAA type certification process in its quest to develop an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi.

An initial series of conformity tests were completed this week in Morgan Hill, California, at a facility operated by Toray Advanced Composites USA, under FAA designated engineering representative (DER) observation. The testing is designed to confirm the material strength of specific composite materials made with a toughened epoxy and strong, lightweight carbon fiber.