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Joby begins flight tests of first FAA-conforming air taxi
Aircraft is first of a fleet being built for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing
Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:55pm
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Joby Aviation has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), a major step on the path to type certification. The aircraft is the first of a fleet currently in production to support TIA testing and has been assembled using an airframe and components built to FAA-approved designs. Joby's vertically integrated approach has allowed the company to move quickly from prototype to conforming aircraft, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and improving quality control.
Why it matters
Joby's progress on FAA certification and the expansion of eVTOL trials to 10 U.S. states through the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) mark significant milestones for the air taxi industry, with the potential to accelerate Joby's path to commercial service.
The details
Joby's first FAA-conforming aircraft has begun flight testing at the company's test facility in Marina, California. This aircraft is the first of a fleet being built to support the rigorous Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing required by the FAA to validate the aircraft for commercial service. Joby's vertically integrated approach, where the majority of aircraft components are designed, engineered, tested, and manufactured in-house, has allowed the company to move quickly from prototype to conforming aircraft, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and improving quality control.
- Joby began flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft on March 11, 2026.
- FAA pilots are expected to begin 'for credit' TIA flight testing later in 2026.
The players
Joby Aviation, Inc.
A California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi. Joby intends to both operate its air taxi service in cities around the world and sell its aircraft to other operators and partners.
Didier Papadopoulos
President of Aircraft OEM at Joby.
What they’re saying
“Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team. It's the validation of years of hard work and marks our entry into the final phase of bringing this aircraft to market.”
— Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM
What’s next
FAA pilots are expected to begin 'for credit' TIA flight testing at Joby's facility in Marina, California later this year.
The takeaway
Joby's progress on FAA certification and the expansion of eVTOL trials to 10 U.S. states demonstrate the growing momentum of the air taxi industry, with Joby's vertically integrated approach allowing it to move quickly from prototype to conforming aircraft and positioning the company for potential acceleration towards commercial service.
