The future of flying taxis just got a little closer. Joby Aviation has successfully completed the first-ever piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flight between two U.S. public airports, marking a major step toward commercial air taxi service.
The 12-minute flight took Joby’s sleek, all-electric aircraft from Marina Municipal Airport (OAR) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) in California, covering 10 nautical miles and even entering a holding pattern at Monterey to slot in with other arriving aircraft, just like a traditional plane.
Unlike previous test flights that only used single locations, this milestone demonstrates Joby’s ability to use FAA-controlled airspace alongside commercial airliners. The piloted aircraft executed a vertical takeoff, transitioned smoothly into wing-borne flight, then landed vertically in Monterey, showcasing the versatility and safety that regulators will require for passenger services.
‘Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated in the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we’re prepared for service on day one,’ said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby.
The achievement builds on more than 40,000 miles already flown across Joby’s test fleet and arrives as the company prepares its first aircraft for FAA Type Inspection Authorisation. The Federal Aviation Administration requires eVTOLs to prove they can safely operate between multiple airports and within shared airspace before approval for passenger service.
The flight also highlights Joby’s growing commercial readiness.
On the heels of its planned acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, the company is positioning itself to launch services in major U.S. cities, starting with Los Angeles and New York and in the UAE next year.
For travellers, that could mean skipping traffic and soaring above it in a quiet, emissions-free aircraft that takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter but flies like a plane.
A video of the landmark flight can be viewed here.
