Joby Aviation, a company specializing in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, recently conducted an exhibition flight of its air taxi in New York City. The flight, which took place from the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan, represents the first instance of Joby Aviation operating its eVTOL aircraft in an urban environment like New York City.
This event coincides with New York City Mayor Eric Adams' announcement regarding plans to electrify the Downtown Heliport, part of a broader initiative to support cleaner and quieter air travel solutions. Joby Aviation's participation in this project aligns with its ongoing collaboration with Delta Air Lines, with both companies focusing on introducing electric air taxi services in key markets, including New York City.
Joby Aviation's Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, highlighted the company's commitment to offering New Yorkers an alternative form of air travel that promises reduced noise and zero operating emissions. The company’s eVTOL aircraft is designed for short, rapid trips, such as the seven-minute flight from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport, a journey that typically takes over an hour by car.
Joby Aviation and Delta are collaborating with the Port Authority of New York and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to prepare for the launch of these services, including infrastructure development at JFK and LaGuardia International Airport. Gail Grimmett, SVP of Sustainability Performance and Strategic Partnerships at Delta, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in enhancing customer experiences and advancing sustainable technologies.
Joby’s aircraft, known for its lower acoustic footprint compared to traditional helicopters, was measured by NASA in 2022 as registering around 45.2 A-weighted decibels (dBA) from an altitude of 1640 feet, a level quieter than a typical conversation. With over 30,000 miles flown by its prototype eVTOL aircraft since 2017, Joby Aviation looks forward to launching its commercial passenger service in 2025.
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