Joby Aviation Achieves Significant FAA Milestone in Air Taxi Certification
Joby Aviation has successfully navigated through Stage 4 of its type certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This pivotal airworthiness conformity review propels the company towards becoming the first to receive certification for a commercial passenger service using an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the United States.
The FAA announced in late March 2026 that Joby had surmounted this critical milestone. Aviation attorneys often refer to this stage as a point “where a lot of novel aircraft programs have historically stalled.” This accomplishment transitions Joby’s five-seat S4 aircraft into the final compliance demonstration phase. The company is aiming for type certificate issuance by the end of 2026.
Currently, Joby outpaces its domestic competitors. Archer Aviation is still in Stage 3, while Wisk Aero is seeking certification via a different autonomous pathway. Joby has expressed its plan to initiate commercial service in select U.S. markets, including New York and Los Angeles, contingent upon certification and infrastructure readiness.
Source: Altitudes Magazine