Joby’s Air Taxi Milestones Are Real – But Big Hurdles Remain
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation is one of several companies hoping to capitalize on the emerging eVTOL market. Joby Aviation
Skift Take
As testing ramps up and its manufacturing strategy matures, Joby is positioning itself to be among the first to take to the skies when regulators give flying taxis the green light.
After a series of false starts, could the promise of 'air taxis' finally be taking flight? At the Dubai Airshow last week, a number of industry milestones were achieved. Among them was Joby Aviation, presenting its main product for the first time in a public environment.
Joby’s vehicles look like futuristic helicopters and operate in much the same way. It takes off and lands vertically within the scope of existing helipads.
However, unlike a helicopter, it has much shorter wings with multiple small rotors. These are powered by quieter electric engines and create less vibration than current rotary aircraft. With a top speed of 200 miles per hour and a maximum range of 150 miles, the high-tech eVTOLs – electric vertical take-off and landing – can carry up to four passengers as well as a pilot.
In 2024, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation signed a definitive agreement to establish and operate an air taxi network around the
