Will Joby Aviation outpace Archer in the eVTOL race given FAA certification timelines?

**Joby Aviation is positioned to outpace Archer in the eVTOL race with respect to FAA certification timelines.** Here's the analysis to support this conclusion: 1. **Joby's Certification Progress**: Joby has already completed the third stage of the FAA certification process. The company has also received the Part 145 Repair Station Certificate from the FAA, which allows Joby to perform select maintenance activities on aircraft. Joby is now focused on the fourth stage of the certification process, where it will complete tests and analysis for FAA credit covering every component and system on the Joby aircraft. 2. **Archer's Certification Progress**: Archer is making progress toward FAA certification but is still in the process of completing the final stages. Archer has announced new milestones like Part 145 maintenance certification and approval for a propulsion certification plan. The company is close to completing the flight testing phase, which is a critical step in the certification process. 3. **Comparison of Timelines**: Joby has been operating its S4 aircraft since 2020, which gives the company a significant head start in terms of flight testing and certification progress. Archer, on the other hand, is aiming for FAA certification by 2026. This timeline puts Joby ahead of Archer in terms of expected certification completion. 4. **Production and Manufacturing**: Joby is scaling up its manufacturing aggressively, with plans to spend up to $500 million on its first full-scale aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio. This expansion is complementing its existing operations in Marina, California, ahead of planned commercial service in 2025. The company's vertically integrated approach and FAA-certified production facility should enable it to deliver more aircraft in the coming years. 5. **Strategic Partnerships**: Joby has established a key partnership with Delta Air Lines, which is likely to expedite market entry and operational risk management. Archer, on the other hand, is collaborating with United Airlines. While both companies have strong strategic partnerships, Joby's alliance with Delta may provide a slight edge in terms of operational readiness and market access. 6. **Financial Position**: Joby has secured $2.5 billion from Toyota, with plans for an additional $2.5 billion infusion. Archer holds $1 billion in cash from institutional funding. While both companies have substantial financial backing, Joby's existing cash reserves and recent investments position it well for continued growth and certification efforts. In conclusion, Joby's earlier completion of certification milestones, production facility expansions, and strategic partnerships suggest that it is on track to outpace Archer in the eVTOL race with respect to FAA certification timelines. However, it's important to note that both companies face significant challenges, including regulatory uncertainty and the need for substantial capital investments. The final outcome will depend on the successful execution of their respective plans and the resolution of any remaining certification and operational hurdles.