Joby Aviation Announces Air Taxi Production Plant in Ohio
- tech360.tv
- Sep 19, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 9, 2024
Joby Aviation, an electric aircraft manufacturer, has revealed plans to invest up to $500 million in building a new facility in Dayton, Ohio.
The 140-acre site at Dayton International Airport will serve as the company's first serial production location, where they will mass-produce air taxis. This move marks a significant step for Joby as they transition from building prototypes to full-scale production.
Founder JoeBen Bevirt stated that Joby is actively pursuing Federal Aviation Administration certification for their electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company aims to commence commercial passenger service by 2025. To support manufacturing operations, Joby will begin hiring immediately for aircraft component production at existing buildings on the Dayton site. Construction of the new production facility is scheduled to start in 2024, with operations commencing in 2025.
The state of Ohio, along with several political organisations, has offered incentives and benefits totaling up to $325 million to facilitate the development of the Dayton site. Joby envisions that the site has the potential to accommodate manufacturing facilities larger than the Pentagon, employing 2,000 individuals and producing 500 aircraft annually.
Unlike some of its competitors, Joby's business model resembles that of rideshare apps, where customers can request rides on air taxis owned and operated by the company. While Joby has been flying full-scale aircraft since 2017, they recently unveiled their first production-representative prototype capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot.
The company is intensifying its testing efforts to meet the rigorous requirements for FAA certification. Joby's commitment to safety and regulatory compliance is paramount as they strive to revolutionise urban air mobility.
Joby Aviation plans to invest up to $500 million in building an air taxi production plant in Dayton, Ohio.
The facility will be the company's first serial production location, enabling mass production of air taxis.
Joby aims to obtain FAA certification for their eVTOL aircraft and commence commercial passenger service by 2025.
Source: REUTERS
