The first-ever electric air taxi flight over New York City, conducted by Joby Aviation on November 12, 2023, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of urban transportation. This event marks Joby Aviation’s entrance into urban airspace, ushering in a transformative shift in the way people travel within cities.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced an ambitious plan to electrify the Downtown Heliport as part of a broader strategy to establish New York as a global leader in adopting clean and quiet aerial transportation solutions.
Looking ahead to 2025, Joby Aviation aims to revolutionize commuting in New York City.
Their proposed commercial passenger service promises to dramatically reduce travel time from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport, making the journey a mere seven minutes by air, compared to over an hour by car.
The aircraft developed by Joby Aviation boasts a significantly lower acoustic footprint compared to traditional helicopters, making it well-suited for operation in densely populated areas like New York City. Collaborating with NASA in 2022, the aircraft’s noise level was measured at just 45.2 A-weighted decibels (dBA) when flying at 1640 feet, quieter than a typical conversation.
Joby Aviation has been making significant strides in the development of electric air taxis, with its full-scale prototype eVTOL aircraft logging over 30,000 miles and the first aircraft from its Pilot Production Plant in Marina, California, rolling out recently. The company has even delivered its first electric air taxi to the U.S. Air Force for operational testing on military bases.
In a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, Joby Aviation is planning to launch its electric air taxi service in New York City once it receives Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The service will offer fast and quiet journeys in piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft with zero operating emissions, capable of flying up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Joby and Delta are working closely with the Port Authority of New York and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to establish the necessary infrastructure at JFK and LaGuardia International Airports to support their operations.
The advent of Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi service heralds a new era in urban transportation, promising faster, cleaner, and quieter travel within New York City and potentially setting a precedent for urban mobility solutions worldwide.
