US Launches Pilot Program to Expedite Air Taxi Deployment with Joby Aviation

The US government is launching a pilot program to speed up the deployment of air taxis, with Joby Aviation as one of the participating companies. Joby is developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi with a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 200 miles per hour. The company plans to manufacture, own and operate its aircraft, and is focused on delivering transportation services to customers through sales or contracted operations.

The US government has launched the White House eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), aiming to accelerate the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in select markets. One of the participating companies is Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), which has seen its stock soar by 7% following the announcement Joby Aviation stock soars after White House eVTOL program participation^[1].

Joby Aviation is a transportation company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service. Its all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour with a range of 100 miles. The company plans to manufacture, own, and operate its aircraft, focusing on delivering transportation services to customers through sales or contracted operations Joby plans to jumpstart US operations through White House eVTOL integration program^[2].

The eIPP, established through a recent Presidential Executive Order, directs the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable mature eVTOL aircraft to begin operations before completing full certification. This is a critical step toward commercial service, as it allows for earlier deployment of these innovative aircraft.

Joby appears well-positioned for the program, having conducted over 40,000 miles of flight testing across its fleet, with nearly 600 flights in 2025 alone. The company recently completed its first flight between two public airports, integrating with commercial air traffic. Joby is currently in the fourth of five stages in the FAA Type Certification process and expects to fly its first of five FAA-conforming aircraft this year, with plans to begin flight testing with FAA pilots onboard early next year Joby Aviation stock soars after White House eVTOL program participation^[1].

Supported by Toyota, Joby is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Marina, California, where it plans to double production capacity to up to 24 aircraft annually. The company is also developing manufacturing facilities in Dayton, Ohio to support large-scale production.

The participation in the eIPP could significantly boost Joby's prospects, providing an opportunity to gain valuable experience and data in real-world operations. However, it also comes with challenges, such as navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety and reliability of its aircraft.