Joby Aviation inches closer to the future of transportation

What started as an idea for a quicker way to get from point A to point B has now become a realistic peek into the future of transportation. Joby Aviation is revolutionizing everyday transportation with its flying taxi, which is getting closer and closer to completion. On November 10th, Joby Aviation held a brief press conference, during which Joby engineers, staff, and Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) discussed their enthusiasm for the next steps in their aircraft development. 

Joby began their journey at Dayton International Airport with an empty warehouse in July. In just four short months, the warehouse was transformed into a creative space where the Joby team has been making key advancements in their flying taxi design and production. 

Combination of Drone and Personal Helicopter

Each aircraft has 30 blades that comprise the six hubs of the helicopter and drone-like exterior. Joby must create thousands of these blades alone to support their aircraft manufacturing, leading to one of the most important and exciting parts of the aircraft’s conception. Careers.   

Blades, assembly, engineering, and piloting are all components that make up the Joby Air Taxi vision. Neither Rome nor flying cars were built in a day, and Joby Aircraft requires meticulous building and dedication. Each intricate part of a Joby aircraft opens up employment opportunities, which benefits communities like Dayton. 

The concept of flying cars is thrilling, but the question of “who are they for?” remains. Joby openly shares its plan for revolutionizing everyday travel, with exemplary videos of a quick ride from LaGuardia Airport to downtown Manhattan. The compact aircraft vehicles take off vertically, with little to no sound, and hover in plain sight. 

Comparable to the Price of an Uber

Although it sounds incredibly convenient, many might wonder what a trip in an air taxi might cost an average traveler. Quick air travel may not be as out of reach as it seems. After all, one of Joby’s slogans emphasizes that “The sky was never the limit.” 

Following a conversation with Dan Robinson, a Joby Site Manager for Government Flight Simulators in Springfield, Ohio, it appears that flying taxis may become accessible to the everyday American traveler. Robinson shared that a ride in a Joby Aircraft will cost around what one could expect to spend on an Uber Black. This makes sense, considering Joby has already made transportation from Airports and Aircraft easier by partnering with Uber and Delta. 

Although there’s much more finalizing work to be done, flying taxis are getting closer and closer to the finish line, creating both quicker transportation and more job opportunities for Americans. Joby Aviation is making history with its plan for air transit, here in Dayton. 

Dayton has always been the birthplace of Aviation, and where the history of flying lies. But now, with the help of Joby, Dayton is also where the future of aviation takes flight.