Joby Aviation (Joby) has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft as part of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) process, marking a significant step towards type certification and the eventual launch of commercial air taxi services.
The aircraft, registered as N547JX, is the first in a fleet currently being produced to support the rigorous TIA testing programme. Initial flights are being conducted by Joby’s own test pilots. These trials will prepare the aircraft for formal testing by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilots, who are expected to visit Joby’s facility in Marina, California later this year to carry out the official inspection flights required to validate the aircraft for commercial operations.
The aircraft has been assembled using an airframe and components built to designs approved by FAA Designated Engineering Representatives. Final assembly and verification were also signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives in accordance with Joby’s FAA-approved test plans.
The announcement comes shortly after the U.S. government authorised early operations for mature electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designs as part of the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Through this programme, Joby has the opportunity to conduct operations across ten U.S. states, including Arizona, Florida, New York, Texas and Utah. The initiative represents an important milestone for the emerging air taxi industry and could accelerate Joby’s route to commercial service.
Joby’s progress from prototype to FAA-conforming aircraft has been supported by its vertically integrated manufacturing strategy. The company designs, engineers, tests and manufactures most of its aircraft components in-house, reducing reliance on external suppliers, improving quality control and shortening development timelines.
The company has also expanded its manufacturing footprint. In 2025, Joby completed an enlarged production facility in Marina, California and began producing propeller blades in Ohio. It has also acquired a new 700,000 ft² site in Dayton, Ohio, which will support plans to increase production to four aircraft per month by 2027. In the long term, Joby expects its Dayton facilities to support output of up to 500 aircraft annually.
