Joby Aviation to Fly Electric Air Taxis Across 10 States

Joby Aviation has been selected to launch electric air taxi operations across 10 U.S. states this year. Under a White House-backed pilot program, the company can begin flying before receiving full FAA type certification, a first for the industry.

What does the eIPP program allow Joby to do?

The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, established by presidential executive order, allows Joby to begin real operations in Arizona, Florida, New York, Texas, and six other states. It brings the FAA and DOT together with local governments to coordinate airspace access and infrastructure before full certification is complete.

Why this program marks a turning point for air taxi adoption in the U.S.

Until now, commercial electric air taxi service in the U.S. was contingent on completing FAA type certification, a process that has kept the industry in a holding pattern. The eIPP changes that by creating a structured path to real-world operations while regulatory work continues in parallel. Joby is participating in five state-level programs covering routes from Dallas to Houston, medical transport in North Carolina, and passenger operations at the Manhattan heliport. The company is also included in applications that feature its Superpilot autonomous flight platform, which is designed to support increasingly automated operations over time. Joby recently announced plans to produce four aircraft per month by 2027 at facilities in California and Ohio. Flights under the eIPP are expected to begin within 90 days of contracts being finalized, meaning some communities could see air taxis in the sky before the end of 2026. For an industry that has spent years in development, this program represents the clearest path yet to routine commercial service.