Joby Aviation Receives FAA Approval for Flight Software
On Thursday, Joby Aviation announced that the U.S. aviation regulator has approved its in-house software, ElevateOS. This software helps manage pilot workload and matches passengers with aircraft for Air taxi startup, similar to ride-hailing apps.
This approval is a significant step as Joby prepares to launch its commercial air-taxi services as early as 2025.
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Joby Aviation is one of several companies developing air taxis, also known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These air taxis aim to ease urban congestion by offering convenient intra-city rides.
Joby has commercial agreements with Uber Technologies and Delta Air Lines, allowing passengers to book and pay for flights through their platforms, according to Bonny Simi, Joby’s president of operations.
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ElevateOS was authorized for use by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of its Part 135 Certification, which Joby received in 2022. The company has already tested the system by transporting employees between its sites.
Joby also plans to make money by selling the software as a service. The company’s eVTOL aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph.
Joby, which went public in 2021 through a SPAC merger, has attracted investments from major transport industry players such as Toyota, Uber, and Delta Air Lines.
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Several large public companies have invested in air taxi makers, but the industry faces technological and regulatory challenges in starting operations and becoming profitable. These challenges have affected the sector’s shares. This year, Joby’s shares have fallen 24.8%, while shares of its peer, Archer Aviation, are down 50.2%.
Source: Air Taxi Startup Joby Aviation Gets FAA Approval for Flight Software
