Stock prices of JOBY Aviation surge following acquisition of Blade and announcement of plans for commercial launch of electric air taxis
Joby Aviation Steps Closer to Commercial Launch of Electric Air Taxis
Joby Aviation, an innovative aerospace company, is making significant strides in the development of electric air taxis. As of mid-2025, the company is approximately 70% complete on Stage 4 of the FAA’s five-stage type certification process, with the FAA itself over 50% complete on its side.
The final assembly of Joby’s first FAA-conforming electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft began in mid-2025 at its Marina, California facility. Initial flight tests are expected later in 2025, followed by FAA pilot evaluations as part of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight testing. This represents the last major certification hurdle before commercial operations can begin.
Operational validation has been demonstrated via a 21-flight campaign in Dubai, proving commercial readiness in challenging environments ahead of planned commercial launches there in late 2025 or early 2026. Joby holds exclusive six-year urban air mobility operating rights in Dubai and is constructing its first vertiport at Dubai International Airport to support these services.
On the manufacturing front, Joby has a 435,500-square-foot facility in Marina, California producing around 24 aircraft per year. Supported by a $250 million funding tranche from Toyota (part of a larger $500 million commitment), Joby is expanding production capabilities with a new plant in Dayton, Ohio, targeting up to 500 aircraft per year by 2027.
Strategically, Joby expanded its footprint by acquiring Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, broadening its urban air mobility service platform. The company also diversified its market with a defense partnership with L3Harris Technologies to develop a hybrid gas turbine variant of its eVTOL for low-altitude military missions. Flight testing for this defense variant is scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with operational demonstrations planned for 2026 exercises.
Financially, Joby maintains a strong position, with about $991 million in cash and marketable securities as of Q2 2025. This ensures ample liquidity to complete certification, expand manufacturing, and initiate commercial operations.
In summary, Joby Aviation is swiftly advancing toward FAA certification completion and commercial launch of its electric air taxi by late 2025 or early 2026. The company's multi-pronged approach, including robust manufacturing expansion, strategic acquisitions, defense collaborations, pilot training certification, and solid financial resources, prepares them both for urban air mobility market entry and broader aerospace roles.
Joby's Dayton, Ohio, site is ramping up to produce and test key aircraft components. Over time, it could scale to build up to 500 aircraft annually. The company's stock has surged more than 70% in the past month, with year-to-date growth of 142%. With a loyal customer base of over 50,000 passengers from Blade, Joby is poised to make a significant impact in the air taxi market.
[1] Joby Aviation. (2025). Press Release: Joby Aviation Announces Plans to Acquire Blade Air Mobility's Passenger Business. Retrieved from https://www.jobyaviation.com/press-releases/joby-aviation-announces-plans-to-acquire-blade-air-mobilitys-passenger-business
[2] Joby Aviation. (2025). Press Release: Joby Aviation Closes First $250 Million Tranche of $500 Million Strategic Investment from Toyota. Retrieved from https://www.jobyaviation.com/press-releases/joby-aviation-closes-first-250-million-tranche-of-500-million-strategic-investment-from-toyota
[3] Joby Aviation. (2025). Press Release: Joby Aviation Expands Manufacturing Facility in Marina, California. Retrieved from https://www.jobyaviation.com/press-releases/joby-aviation-expands-manufacturing-facility-in-marina-california
[4] Joby Aviation. (2025). Press Release: Joby Aviation Announces New Agreements with Abdul Latif Jameel and ANA to Explore Deploying Approximately 300 Aircraft in Other Markets. Retrieved from https://www.jobyaviation.com/press-releases/joby-aviation-announces-new-agreements-with-abdul-latif-jameel-and-ana-to-explore-deploying-approximately-300-aircraft-in-other-markets
[5] Joby Aviation. (2025). Press Release: Joby Aviation Announces Expanded Partnership with ANA Holdings in Japan, Aiming to Deploy Over 100 Air Taxis in Tokyo. Retrieved from https://www.jobyaviation.com/press-releases/joby-aviation-announces-expanded-partnership-with-ana-holdings-in-japan-aiming-to-deploy-over-100-air-taxis-in-tokyo
Verra technology will likely play a crucial role in Joby Aviation's new flight data analytics system, enhancing the efficiency and safety of their electric air taxi operations. To finance this technological integration, Joby Aviation is considering an investment in Verra's cutting-edge data management solutions, committing millions to spearhead advancements in urban air mobility.
Joby Aviation's strategic expansion in the finance, business, and technology sectors underscores their commitment to innovation and the significant impact they plan to make in the air taxi market, ensuring a seamless and groundbreaking transition to urban air mobility.
