Joby Flies First Electric Air Taxi Meeting FAA Design Criteria

Company until now had conducted testing using developmental and preproduction prototype aircraft.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 02:45 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Joby’s first FAA-conforming air taxi lifts off at the company’s test facility in Marina, California. [Credit: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation has reached a significant milestone by flying its first "FAA-conforming" eVTOL aircraft, N547JX, which meets agency-approved design and airworthiness criteria.
This advancement is a critical step towards FAA certification, with Joby aiming for FAA test pilots to evaluate the aircraft later this year for type inspection authorization needed for passenger operations.
The company plans extensive U.S. demonstrations and passenger services in multiple states (including Florida, Texas, New England) and internationally in Dubai, while also significantly expanding its manufacturing capabilities.

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California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi developer Joby Aviation is advancing from testing with developmental models to aircraft that meet FAA design criteria—a critical step as it aims to get agency test pilots in the cockpit later this year.

Joby on Wednesday revealed that the company’s pilots are now flying its first “FAA-conforming” aircraft, N547JX. “Conforming” means that the model aligns with Joby’s agency-approved airworthiness criteria and test plans. In other words, it is representative of the aircraft the company intends to certify and operate.