Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation is an American flying taxi developer. The company is developing a four-seat vertical take-off and landing aircraft equipped with an electric power plant (eVTOL). It has a top speed of 322 km/h and a range of 241 km.

History

2025: Toyota invested $250 million in Joby Aviation, becoming its largest shareholder with a 15.3% stake

In May 2025, Toyota invested $250 million in Joby Aviation, becoming its largest shareholder with a 15.3% stake.

Joby is developing eVTOL aircraft for short city flights and plans to launch commercial flights in Dubai from 2026 - after receiving certification.

2022: Getting the first US passenger permit by flying cars

At the end of May 2022, Joby Aviation received the necessary certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration to begin commercial transportation by flying cars. This is the first such permit for the American market.

Joby Aviation is engaged in the development and production of electric vehicles with vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and plans to launch an air analogue of Uber in 2024. However, before the company can operate eVTOL as an air taxi, it needs to obtain two more certifications: for the type of device and production. Permission obtained from the US Federal Aviation Administration will allow Joby Aviation to fly on test routes.

Joby Aviation did not disclose exactly which routes the company is going to fly, but in May 2022 the company is already flying the shuttle for employees between San Jose and Marina in California. The company has two prototypes, but it does not say how many vehicles it plans to build by the initial launch.

The United States issued permission for passenger transportation by flying cars

The procedures we have prepared lay the foundation for our future eVTOL operations. As early as the summer of 2022, we will use our Part 135 certification to implement the operational and client technology platforms that will underpin our multimodal ride-sharing service, as well as to improve our procedures to ensure safe and seamless travel for our customers, said Joby Aviation Head of Air Operations and Personnel Bonnie Simi.

Joby Aviation will initially use existing infrastructure and underutilized assets such as parking garages and helipads to dock air taxis while the company works to build a network of vertiports with partners. In March 2022, Joby Aviation said it would partner with CAE, an aviation trainer, to develop and qualify simulators to simulate flight so that pilots with a commercial rating could learn how to manage eVTOLs.

The company also partners with Macquarie Capital, an infrastructure asset manager; Signature Aviation, a provider of private landing pads at airports; and Related Companies, New York's largest lessor, to develop vertical ports prior to commercial launch. On May 19, 2022, Joby Aviation acquired Avionyx, which develops aerospace software and helps aviation companies obtain appropriate certifications.

Joby Aviation is set to launch its own app to give passengers access to its air taxi service, but it is also planned to be integrated into Uber's app, and vice versa.^[1]

2020: Buying Elevate's flying taxi division from Uber

In early December 2020, Uber sold its Elevate flying taxi division to California electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation. However, the companies describe their deal as a "new way of partnership," since under the agreement Uber will also invest $75 million in Joby Aviation. Read more here.

2019: Toyota invests $394m in Joby Aviation

In mid-January 2020, it became known about Toyota's investment in Joby Aviation. The amount of investments amounted to $394 million.

According to Toyota, the cooperation launched will be mutually beneficial, since the development of the Japanese manufacturer fits well with the needs of the developing air transportation market.

It became known about Toyota's investment in Joby Aviation

Toyota President Akio Toyoda noted that the agreement with the innovative American company sets goals for the development of air transportation and "revolutionary changes in transport of the future." Toyota's experience, in turn, will come in handy in the production of "highly reliable complex equipment on an enlarged scale," which they plan to organize in California, he added.

Air transportation is a long-term goal for Toyota, and although we continue our work in the automotive business, this agreement puts our eyes on the sky, "said Akio Toyoda

Toyota believes that, first of all, flying taxis will be focused on megacities with a difficult traffic situation.

According to Bloomberg, Toyota is actively investing in transport technologies of the future. In 2019, Toyota invested in autonomous transport systems manufacturer Recogni and self-driving bus operator May Mobility. At the foot of Fuji, the company intends to build a technopark for unmanned and other types of innovative transport.

Toyota is not the only company to develop a flying car. In early 2020, Porsche patented its flying car. The airmobile is designed for two people, it is equipped with four screws, thanks to which it is possible to perform vertical take-off and landing.^[2]

Notes