Joby Aims for Next-Gen Mobility with Silent, App-Booked Flights

Joby, a next-gen mobility company, aims to revolutionize transportation with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Their playbook for soaring to new heights includes developing a network of vertiports for seamless transportation to airports, using AI to optimize routes and reduce noise, and integrating with transportation networks for a seamless experience.

Joby Aviation, a leading innovator in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has made significant strides in its quest to revolutionize urban air mobility. The company, based in Santa Cruz, California, is preparing for the final assembly of its first conforming aircraft intended for type inspection authorization (TIA) flight tests. This move marks a crucial step towards FAA certification and commercialization of its electric eVTOL aircraft [1].

In addition to its technical advancements, Joby has also announced plans to acquire Blade Air Mobility Inc.'s urban air mobility (UAM) passenger business. The acquisition includes operations in the U.S. and Europe, as well as the Blade brand. This strategic move aims to accelerate commercialization and expand Joby's operations across key urban corridors [1].

Joby's efforts to achieve FAA certification involve a convergence of three critical initiatives: relevant test plan approvals, a design that meets FAA standards, and the ability to manufacture the conforming design. The company has successfully progressed all three ahead of assembly, with FAA acceptance of more than half of its test plans [1].

The acquisition of Blade Air Mobility will enable Joby to leverage Blade's decade of experience in delivering premium customer transportation at scale. Blade flew more than 50,000 passengers in 2024 from a network of 12 urban terminals situated in some of the most important UAM markets globally [1]. This acquisition will allow Joby to combine its technology with Blade's established infrastructure, reducing infrastructure investment requirements and customer acquisition costs.

Joby expects its pilots to start flying the conforming aircraft in 2025, with FAA pilots following shortly thereafter to directly evaluate the aircraft's performance and safety. This testing is central to the certification process and forms a key part of the fifth and final stage of the type certification process [1].

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. By using Blade's existing infrastructure and gradually transitioning a large loyal base of passengers from conventional helicopters to Joby aircraft, Joby aims to accelerate its commercialization while reducing infrastructure investment requirements and customer acquisition costs [1].

References:
[1] https://www.compositesworld.com/news/joby-preps-conforming-aircraft-for-tia-flight-testing-acquires-blade-air-mobility