Joby Aviation recently completed a successful demonstration of point-to-point air taxi flights in New York City, utilizing the existing heliport network to connect John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to various locations in Manhattan. This flight trial was part of Joby’s week-long Electric Skies Tour, aimed at showcasing the capabilities of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The flight, operated by aircraft N545JX, departed from JFK and flew to Downtown Skyport, as well as the West 30th Street and East 34th Street Heliports in Midtown. The entire journey took less than 10 minutes, highlighting the potential of eVTOL technology to drastically reduce travel times in busy metropolitan areas.
This successful demonstration was made possible through New York’s selection for the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in 2026. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, responsible for the region’s airports, worked with Joby and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to integrate eVTOL operations at one of the busiest airports in the country.
According to Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, this demonstration showcases the next chapter in the company’s vision for a quiet and emission-free air taxi service in New York. Joby was selected as a partner for five of the eIPP projects in 12 different states, highlighting the company’s commitment to integrating eVTOL technology into the national airspace.
Joby’s commercial vision for New York includes reducing the typical 60-to-120-minute drive to JFK to a mere seven-minute flight. This will be made possible through partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber, providing an end-to-end travel experience that seamlessly connects ground transportation and air travel.
In 2025, Joby acquired Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, which now serves as the operational infrastructure for its commercial service in Manhattan. With a lower noise footprint than traditional aircraft and helicopters, Joby’s aircraft is designed to blend into the city’s ambient sounds. Additionally, New York City’s heliport infrastructure is being electrified in preparation for commercial eVTOL service, led by the NYC Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Skyports Infrastructure and Vertiports by Atlantic.
This successful demonstration in New York follows a similar campaign in the San Francisco Bay Area and is part of Joby’s ongoing efforts to secure FAA certification. The recent first flight of its conforming aircraft for type inspection authorization (TIA) has paved the way for FAA pilots to conduct for-credit test flights.
The eVTOL aircraft, with its six-rotor tilting configuration, is designed for both vertical take-off and efficient cruise. With the potential to revolutionize air transportation in busy cities, Joby continues to make significant strides towards making its vision a reality.