The Santa Cruz-based airline hopes to disrupt the taxi and ride-sharing industry by flying customers overhead instead of busy roads.
Joby Aviation unveiled its electric air taxi at The Grove LA this week. The aircraft, which carries four passengers and a pilot, is designed to travel 100 miles on a single charge at up to 200 miles per hour, revolutionizing the way people travel in major cities.
“It can take off like a helicopter, fly on its wings, and land precisely vertically at its destination,” said Edward Stilson, Joby’s special projects manager. “You just go to one of the VertiPorts, hop on a plane, and fly above the traffic. So here in Los Angeles, we’re just the perfect market for that.”
Since the aircraft is electric, it produces no pollution during flight and requires less maintenance, significantly reducing operating costs. Stillson said those cost savings will be passed on to customers, with the goal of eventually bringing prices on par with ground transportation options like Uber and Lyft.
Joby hopes to begin commercial operations by the end of 2025, most likely in Dubai. Stillson said the company’s U.S. operations are dependent on obtaining Federal Aviation Administration certification, which is a five-step process. The company is currently moving forward with its fourth phase.
Joby hopes to launch an air taxi service in Los Angeles in time for the 2028 Olympics.
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