Joby Aviation is demoing 10-minute air taxi flights from JFK to Manhattan for a week

Source: Engadget

Overview

Joby Aviation is kicking off a 10‑day electric air‑taxi demonstration in New York City. The company is trialing its eVTOL aircraft on “real flight routes and real environments,” according to its press release.

Flight Details

• The first point‑to‑point flight of Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was completed.
• An air taxi traveled from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to heliports in Lower Manhattan and Midtown in under 10 minutes.
• CEO JoeBen Bevirt describes the service as a “quiet, zero operating emissions air taxi” that will better serve New Yorkers compared with helicopters.

These demo flights are part of Joby’s participation in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, the Federal Aviation Administration’s initiative to fast‑track the commercial rollout of air taxis.

Regulatory Status

Joby is in the final stages of securing FAA certification. The New York campaign follows piloted demonstrations in the San Francisco Bay Area conducted in March.

Future Plans

• Joby previously targeted a 2025 launch for its air‑taxi service, but the timeline has been pushed back.
• The company plans to begin passenger flights in New York, Texas, and Florida in the second half of 2026, according to Bloomberg.