MARINA, Calif. - Joby Aviation flew two of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft simultaneously for the first time on 9 May, marking what the company says is a new phase in its flight testing program.
The dual-aircraft operation was conducted at the company’s facility in Marina, Calif., and follows Joby’s recent milestone of completing piloted flights involving full transitions from vertical takeoff to forward cruise flight and back again. The company is currently preparing for commercial passenger service.
"This achievement not only demonstrates Joby’s leadership in the sector, it’s another indication of the power of American innovation," said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO. "Our air taxi is designed, manufactured and assembled here in the U.S., and we are a proudly American company, employing engineers and other experts across 40 different U.S. states."
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Bevirt added that with six aircraft in its test fleet, flying multiple vehicles at once will support accelerated certification efforts and passenger operations expected to begin next year.
Joby is working with Delta Air Lines and Uber to bring air taxi service to cities such as Los Angeles and New York. International partnerships include Virgin Atlantic in the United Kingdom and ANA Holdings in Japan. The company also aims to launch in Dubai in early 2026.
To date, Joby has flown more than 40,000 miles in test flights, including demonstrations in New York City, Japan, and South Korea. Two of its aircraft are undergoing joint testing with the U.S. Department of Defense at Edwards Air Force Base, and a sixth test aircraft is completing final functional checks.
