Joby Aviation Inc. has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin on-demand commercial air taxi operations.
The California company received the Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate ahead of schedule as Joby was on track originally to finish the process in the second half of 2022. The five-stage process includes submitting more than 850 pages of manuals for approval and requiring pilots to demonstrate mastry of the procedures and training under FAA observation.
The certificate is one of three FAA approvals required for Joby to operate its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The other two certificates are the Type Certificate and Production Certificate.
Joby’s all-electric aircraft will be designed to transport a pilot and four passengers up to 150 miles on a single charge at speeds of up to 200 mph. The company has been working with NASA on acoustic testing for low noise emissions during take-off and landing as well as overhead flight.
Why it’s important
The FAA approval allows Joby to begin the process of using its aircraft as a commercial air taxi service in cities and communities in the U.S.
Joby will be allowed to begin operations and use of customer technology platforms for multi-modal ridesharing services while simultaneously refining the air taxi experience for customers.
When Joby receives the Type Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft, the company will complete the FAA review process to add new aircraft types to the existing air carrier certificate.
Joby plans to launch commercial services in 2024.
