Joby Aviation Supports U.S. Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, Prepares for Commercial Air Taxi Launch
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a leading developer of electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced its full support for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy. The company also confirmed its intent to actively engage with key recommendations outlined in the Strategy, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for the development, integration, and scaling of urban and regional air mobility operations across the United States.
The Strategy serves as a policy blueprint for the future of AAM, addressing critical elements such as workforce development, infrastructure utilization, safety standards, and data sharing between industry and government. By aligning federal, state, and local efforts, the Strategy aims to accelerate the safe introduction of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the National Airspace System, supporting both public and commercial applications.
“This strategy is tangible proof that the U.S. government recognizes the transformative potential of the AAM industry,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “As we prepare for early air taxi operations in U.S. cities through the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) created under an Executive Order this summer, this is a powerful signal that our federal government — in coordination with state, local, and tribal communities — is ready to usher in the next generation of leadership in aviation.”
Policy Foundations and Federal Coordination
The legislative and regulatory groundwork for the Strategy was laid by Congress through the “Advanced Air Mobility and Coordination Act” of 2022. This legislation directed federal agencies to coordinate investments essential for the maturation of the AAM ecosystem in the United States. Under the leadership of Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the DOT, at least 19 federal agencies and departments collaborated to develop and publish the Strategy, ensuring cohesion across government initiatives while fostering innovation and prioritizing safety.
By bringing together multiple agencies, the Strategy establishes a unified framework for air mobility operations, promoting data-driven policy development, standardized operational procedures, and a collaborative approach to integrating AAM services into the National Airspace System. This coordination is vital to enable early commercial operations, support workforce readiness, and provide communities with confidence in the safe deployment of eVTOL aircraft.
Integration with the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)
The Strategy coincides with the FAA and DOT’s plan to execute the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) beginning in 2026. The eIPP is designed to support real-world operational testing of eVTOL aircraft before FAA Type Certification, including the establishment of proof-of-concept routes, community engagement, and validation of safety procedures. By enabling near-term operations, the eIPP, together with the National Strategy, empowers regulators, industry, and communities to align efforts, ensuring a smooth path toward safe, commercial air taxi services.
Joby’s Positioning and Operational Readiness
Joby’s progress toward FAA certification and operational maturity positions the company to immediately contribute to the Strategy’s implementation. The company has already conducted extensive flight testing, certification planning, and workforce development initiatives, demonstrating its readiness to engage with government agencies and support the national rollout of AAM.
Key areas where Joby aligns with the Strategy include:
- Leveraging Existing or Repurposed Infrastructure
Joby’s operational approach emphasizes utilizing a combination of existing and newly constructed infrastructure to deploy air taxi services efficiently. The Strategy’s guidance on using “existing or repurposed infrastructure for near- and medium-term AAM operations” directly complements Joby’s plan to initiate commercial services without the need for substantial upfront investment in new facilities. By leveraging existing heliports, airports, and urban mobility hubs, Joby can accelerate service availability while reducing capital expenditure. - Data Sharing with Government Agencies
Joby has led the industry in regulatory engagement, becoming the first eVTOL company to finalize its G-1 certification blueprint with the FAA. The company is now entering the final stages of validating design, flight, and manufacturing data. With more than 50,000 flight miles completed — including 850 flights in 2025 alone and operations integrated within the National Airspace System — Joby possesses a significant dataset that can support regulatory agencies in assessing safety, operational performance, and best practices for scaled AAM operations. - Workforce Development
The AAM industry represents a substantial opportunity for economic growth and the development of high-skill careers. Joby currently employs over 2,000 people globally and is actively expanding its manufacturing workforce at its Dayton, Ohio production site and Marina, California pilot production line. In addition, Joby’s aviation academy is cultivating a pipeline of skilled pilots, engineers, and aircraft mechanics. By aligning with the Strategy’s focus on workforce development — including leveraging military experience and dual-use technologies — Joby is supporting the growth of a capable and ready talent pool for the emerging air mobility sector. - Autonomy and Safety
Safety and autonomous operations are central to Joby’s technology strategy. The company’s Superpilot™ autonomous flight technology has been validated over thousands of flight miles, providing operational data to advance safe, scalable, and autonomous air taxi operations. Joby has also participated in joint FAA and NASA simulations to validate the integration of eVTOL aircraft into existing air traffic control procedures at major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and DFW International Airport. These initiatives demonstrate Joby’s proactive role in shaping regulatory and safety standards for the AAM ecosystem.
Global Testing and Validation Efforts
Joby’s validation and testing program spans multiple countries and environments, reinforcing the robustness of its aircraft and operational systems. In 2025 alone, Joby conducted flight testing in Japan during the World Expo in Osaka, extreme-environment trials in the United Arab Emirates, and public airport-to-airport operations in California. These global tests have provided critical insights into operational safety, environmental resilience, and public engagement, informing the development of both aircraft systems and operational protocols for commercial service.
With the aircraft now progressing into the final stage of FAA certification and pre-certification demonstration programs scheduled for 2026, Joby anticipates that next year will mark a major inflection point for the company and the broader AAM industry. These programs will validate real-world performance, safety, and integration capabilities, setting the stage for initial commercial launches in selected U.S. cities.
Engaging with the National Strategy
Joby’s engagement with the DOT’s National AAM Strategy will focus on actionable recommendations that support the safe, efficient, and scalable deployment of air taxi services. The company plans to collaborate with federal agencies, state and local governments, and industry partners to:
- Facilitate efficient use of urban and regional infrastructure for eVTOL operations
- Share operational and safety data to inform regulatory and policy development
- Expand workforce training programs and career pathways within the aviation sector
- Validate autonomous flight systems and integrate them into the National Airspace System
By actively contributing to these initiatives, Joby aims to accelerate the realization of the U.S. government’s vision for urban and regional air mobility, ensuring that commercial operations meet safety, efficiency, and community engagement standards.
The DOT’s Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, coupled with the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, represents a transformative step for the U.S. aviation industry. Joby Aviation’s extensive testing, operational readiness, and regulatory engagement position the company as a leader in implementing the Strategy’s recommendations and advancing the safe introduction of electric air taxis into American cities.
“With our aircraft progressing toward FAA certification, our global flight testing complete, and our workforce prepared for scaled operations, Joby is ready to help implement the Strategy and accelerate commercial air taxi services,” said JoeBen Bevirt. “The National Strategy validates the hard work of our team and the potential of eVTOL aircraft to reshape urban mobility in the United States and beyond.”
As Joby continues to work with regulators, communities, and industry partners, 2026 is set to be a defining year for both the company and the broader AAM sector. By leveraging existing infrastructure, sharing critical operational data, and advancing autonomous technologies, Joby is helping to pave the way for a safe, efficient, and scalable urban air mobility network — one that promises to transform how people move within cities and across regions.
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