Joby Aviation Receives Air Taxi Permit From FAA, One Step Again Fleet Operates

Joby Aviation conducts test flights in the United States. (photo: twitter @jobyaviation)

JAKARTA - Joby Aviation Inc announced on Thursday, May 26, that it has received a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will allow the startup to start commercially operating air taxis.

While certification provides the necessary clearances and is an important milestone, the company still has several regulatory hurdles to clear before its five-seater aircraft can legally fly passengers.

The FAA's Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate is one of three regulatory approvals critical to Joby's planned launch of an all-electric air ride-sharing service by 2024.

We're pleased to announce that Joby has received its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the @FAANews, ahead of schedule.This allows us to operate aircraft commercially and to refine our systems and procedures prior to launch of eVTOL service expected in 2024. 1 / pic.twitter.com/29KMF6X6G7

— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) May 26, 2022

The certification will enable Joby to operate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as an air taxi service in cities and communities across the United States.

In February, the prototype plane Joby piloted crashed during a test flight at its base in California but no injuries were reported.

Earlier this month, the FAA said it had changed the direction of its approach to approving pilots for future eVTOL aircraft but did not expect it to delay certification or operational approval.

Joby reported a net loss of $62.3 million in the first quarter of this year and flagged costs associated with aircraft certification and initial manufacturing operations.