Joby Aviation Soars into Commercial Service as Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Flights Get Green Light
Joby Aviation, the pioneering electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has announced a major milestone in its journey to commercial service. In a recent conference call, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that the company plans to complete its first eIPP flights in Texas next month.
The White House-backed eIPP program is expected to significantly accelerate Joby's path to commercial service, with the FAA providing continued partnership and oversight. The flights in Texas will be a significant step towards proving out the value and operational maturity of Joby's technology, and are set to take place over the course of a week, flying routes across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
These vertical takeoff and landing flights will demonstrate how Joby's aircraft can transform travel across major metropolitan areas, paving the way for future commercial operations. According to Bevirt, the company expects flights under the eIPP program to progress from those with only a pilot on board to those carrying non-paying passengers and eventually paying passengers.
In preparation for these flights, Joby continues to target carrying its first passengers this year. The company's Founder and CEO expressed his excitement about the potential for vertical lift, citing the success of its Blade business as evidence of demand for eVTOL services. Blade, which was acquired by Joby just over a year ago, has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, with a 50% increase in seats sold in Q2 compared to the same time last year.
The Blade business continues to grow quarter-on-quarter, with aircraft availability now being the primary constraint on many routes. The company's revenue guidance for the full-year has been raised after Blade's revenue grew 32% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Joby is also drawing on its existing relationship with Uber to drive increased demand, as well as a new partnership between Blade and Visa that gives Visa Infinite consumer and business cardholders access to premium benefits on Blade's signature airport service in New York.
As Joby Aviation prepares to take the next step towards commercial service, it is clear that the company is making significant progress. With its eVTOL technology set to transform travel across major metropolitan areas, Joby is poised for a bright future in the aviation industry."
