Joby aviation takes to nyc skies: electric taxis test flight signals urban air mobility push
The hum of servers and the scent of soldering iron – a familiar backdrop for Senior Editor Charlotte Gibson – now includes the whir of electric rotors as Joby Aviation conducted its first manned flight of an eVTOL aircraft between JFK Airport and Manhattan this week.
A quiet revolution takes flight
This isn’t just a test run; it’s the first direct electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) journey into New York City airspace, a significant step toward integrating urban air mobility into the city’s notoriously congested environment. Joby, which previously demonstrated a flight from its downtown helipad in 2023, is aiming to revolutionize commutes with a quieter, zero-emission alternative to traditional helicopters and ground transport.
The aircraft, a sleek blue and white design, navigated pre-existing helicopter routes managed by Blade Urban Air Mobility – Joby’s own division – and operated without passengers, adhering to a new federal program designed to accelerate the adoption of these nascent aerial taxis. The flights are part of a broader initiative pushing for the integration of eVTOLs into the US airspace.
While the company, still awaiting FAA certification, initially projected passenger service beginning in the latter half of this year – initially targeting New York, Texas, and Florida – has already adjusted its timeline. However, the demonstration offered a tangible glimpse of the Technology’s potential. “Our aim is to eventually match the cost of an Uber ride,” explained Paul Sciarra, Joby’s CEO, “providing a five to ten times faster and safer journey than helicopters or even driving.”
Joby’s eVTOLs boast a 100 times quieter operation than conventional helicopters, utilizing a “broadband noise” profile – a gentle hum designed to blend seamlessly with the urban soundscape. According to Bevirt, “It’s more like a whisper, a sound that dissipates quickly with distance, unlike the jarring low-frequency rumble of a helicopter.”
The FAA’s selection of companies like Joby as part of a pilot program, launched earlier this year, reflects a concerted effort to prepare cities for the infrastructure changes – and public acceptance – required for widespread urban air mobility. New York City, particularly, has seen a surge in noise complaints related to helicopter activity, reaching a peak of 59,000 calls to 311 in 2023, a stark contrast to the 3,300 received in 2019. Last year’s tragic helicopter accident, claiming the lives of a Siemens executive and his family, has also heightened scrutiny of aviation safety.
Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade, highlighted the contrast: “Most helicopters were originally designed for military, oil and gas, and public services, not for passenger transport. Joby’s aircraft feel like stepping into a meticulously designed automobile – a far cry from the rugged, utilitarian feel of a traditional helicopter.”
The company’s focus on redundancy – six independent electric motors and three flight computers – underscores its commitment to safety. Despite past timeline adjustments, Joby is determined to showcase the Technology’s viability to New Yorkers over the next ten days, flying between JFK and VIP Blade lounges in Hudson Yards and East 34th Street, and the downtown helipad. The event, attended by dozens of observers, offered a chance to witness the aircraft’s landing and the quiet power of its rotors.
“We’re starting to demonstrate that this can happen,” concluded Sciarra, “and ultimately, make air travel accessible to everyone.”