Joby Aviation has recently completed the first-ever demonstration flights for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi in New York City. These flights, which took place across the city’s existing heliport network, mark the beginning of a week-long public campaign to showcase the potential of this innovative mode of transportation.

The flights were made possible through the company’s partnership with the NYC Economic Development Corporation and Skyports Infrastructure, as well as the acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business in 2025. This partnership allowed Joby to utilize existing passenger infrastructure in Manhattan and key New York area airports, enabling them to serve over 90,000 passengers that year.

Joby’s goal in New York is to provide a faster and more convenient travel option for commuters, with a typical 60-to-120-minute drive from Manhattan to JFK being reduced to just seven minutes. This is made possible through partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber, which will seamlessly connect ground transportation and air travel for a more efficient journey.

Safety and reliability are top priorities for Joby, which has designed its aircraft with redundancies across multiple systems. The eVTOL also has a lower noise footprint compared to conventional aircraft and helicopters, and its acoustic signature blends in with the sounds of the city.

These flights come after New York was selected under the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in March, which aims to accelerate the commercial rollout of this new mode of air transportation across the U. S. As a partner on five selected projects in 12 states, Joby is working closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to integrate quiet and emissions-free air taxi service at one of the busiest airports in the nation.

Joby is currently in the final stages of FAA certification and recently completed the first flight of its conforming aircraft for TIA. This milestone will pave the way for FAA pilots to carry out for-credit tests. The company has already conducted successful piloted demonstrations in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the New York campaign allows for real-world testing in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

These flights are part of Joby’s 2026 Electric Skies Tour, a national showcase to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The tour began with a successful flight campaign in the Bay Area, including a landmark flight over the Golden Gate Bridge. With the successful demonstration flights in New York, Joby continues to make significant progress in bringing its vision of urban aerial ridesharing to life.