Joby Aviation Presses FAA for Pre-Certification Air Taxi Flights
Joby Aviation is pressing ahead with its ambition to operate revenue-generating, pre-certification air taxi flights in the United States—even as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signalled that approval for such flights may be harder to obtain than full type certification.
The company’s latest push was reported on November 5, 2026, following an October 29 demonstration flight of its electric air taxi over Tampa. The flight was conducted under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
The Santa Cruz, California-based eVTOL developer is progressing through Stage 5—the final stage—of the FAA’s five-stage type certification process, completing a wide range of “for-credit” testing with the regulator.
Joby recently raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to between $135 million and $140 million, boosted in part by an expanded Air Force autonomy contract worth nearly $37 million. CEO JoeBen Bevirt has committed to personally flying aboard the aircraft before the company’s next earnings call, underscoring his confidence in the platform’s safety.
Launched in early 2026 by the White House and the FAA, the eIPP is designed to let pre-certified eVTOL aircraft gather real-world operational data. The program aims to help shape future commercial regulations and serve as a critical step toward full passenger air taxi service in the United States.