Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced it has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), a major step on the path to type certification. Initial testing by Joby pilots will pave the way for FAA pilots to visit Joby’s Marina, CA, facility later this year to conduct the rigorous TIA testing required to validate the aircraft for commercial service.
White House-Backed eVTOL Integration Program Clears Path for Early Operations
Today’s announcement comes just days after the U.S. government cleared the way for mature aircraft designs like Joby’s to begin early operations across the U.S. this year, as part of the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Through the program, Joby has the opportunity to fly in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah, marking a major milestone for the U.S. air taxi industry with the potential to significantly accelerate Joby’s path to commercial service.
“Validation of Years of Hard Work” – Didier Papadopoulos
“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.”
Vertically Integrated Approach Accelerates Certification Path
The aircraft (N547JX) is the first of a fleet currently in production to support TIA testing, and has been assembled using an airframe and components built to FAA Designated Engineering Representative-approved designs and signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives, as specified in Joby’s FAA-approved test plans.
The pace at which Joby has been able to move from prototype to conforming aircraft is rooted in its vertically integrated approach, a strategy that is redefining the industry’s path to certification. The vast majority of Joby’s aircraft components are designed, engineered, tested and manufactured in-house, reducing reliance on third party suppliers, improving quality control, and shortening lead times.
Expanded Manufacturing Footprint in California and Ohio
In 2025, Joby celebrated the completion of an expanded manufacturing facility in Marina, CA and confirmed the start of propeller blade production in Ohio. Additionally, Joby recently acquired a new 700,000 square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio to support its plans to double production to four aircraft per month in 2027. Over time, Joby’s Dayton facilities are expected to be capable of supporting the delivery of up to 500 aircraft per year.
