Joby Aviation Begins Flight Testing of FAA-Conforming Air Taxi
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – March 11, 2026 – Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) has initiated flight testing of its first aircraft built to conform with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). This marks a significant step toward securing type certification for the company’s all-electric air taxi, intended for commercial passenger service.
FAA Certification Progress
The initial flight tests are being conducted by Joby pilots and will prepare the way for FAA pilots to conduct rigorous TIA testing at Joby’s Marina, California facility later this year. TIA testing is a crucial phase in the FAA type certification process, validating the aircraft’s performance and safety.
White House Backing and eVTOL Integration
This announcement follows recent U.S. Government clearance for mature aircraft designs, like Joby’s, to begin early operations as part of the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Joby has the opportunity to operate in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah through the program, potentially accelerating its path to commercial service.
Company Statements
“Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team. It’s the validation of years of hard work and marks our entry into the final phase of bringing this aircraft to market,” said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby. “After focusing on ‘for credit’ testing at both the equipment and system levels, we’re now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations. This is evidence that our rigorous design and certification process is paying off, and we look forward to welcoming FAA pilots to Marina in due course.”
Manufacturing and Production
The aircraft, designated N547JX, is the first of a fleet being produced for TIA testing. It was assembled using components and an airframe built to FAA-approved designs, signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives, as outlined in Joby’s FAA-approved test plans. Joby has expanded its manufacturing capabilities, completing an expanded facility in Marina, CA, and initiating propeller blade production in Ohio. A new 700,000 square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio, will support plans to double production to four aircraft per month in 2027, with the potential to deliver up to 500 aircraft per year.
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. The company intends to operate its air taxi service and sell aircraft to other operators and partners. More information is available at www.jobyaviation.com.