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What eVTOL Aircraft Actually Are
The term eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) describes aircraft that take off vertically like a helicopter, transition to wing-borne cruise flight like an airplane, then land vertically again. Propulsion is fully electric — batteries instead of combustion engines.
The FAA classifies them under "powered-lift" — the first entirely new category of civil aircraft in nearly a century. In October 2024, the FAA issued its final rule on powered-lift pilot certification and operational requirements. That same period saw the release of “Innovate28” — a step-by-step plan targeting operations at scale in at least one location by 2028.
Joby Aviation: From Testing to Passengers
California-based Joby Aviation is closer than any other company to commercial flight. In Q4 2025, the company recorded a record 18-point increase in FAA progress on the fourth stage of its type certification — a clear signal of design maturity.
CEO JoeBen Bevirt put it plainly: "2026 will mark a key inflection point for Joby. After a year full of rigorous full-transition flight testing, we've begun to shift our focus from how and when we'll go to market, to how many aircraft we can produce and where to deploy them."
Joby signed an agreement to acquire a second manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio (over 700,000 square feet), aiming to double production to four aircraft per month by 2027. Meanwhile, working with CAE, they're preparing the first flight simulators for air taxi pilot training.
Booking Through Uber — Literally
On February 25, 2026, Joby and Uber revealed in Dubai how riders will book a flying taxi trip directly in the Uber app. You reserve a seat, head to the vertiport, board. The experience mirrors an Uber ride — except instead of road, you fly.
What's a vertiport? Dedicated eVTOL take-off and landing zones in cities — on building rooftops, at transit stations, or purpose-built platforms. The FAA published its first vertiport design standards in September 2022. Initially, existing helipads will be used, with dedicated infrastructure expanding gradually.
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The Competition
Joby isn't alone. Archer Aviation is developing the Midnight — a 4-passenger eVTOL designed for 30-kilometer urban trips. Germany's Volocopter, backed strongly by EASA, focuses on tourist flights and urban mobility in European cities. China's EHang already has type certification from Chinese authorities and conducts pilotless test flights.
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) was the first worldwide to publish a Special Condition for small VTOL aircraft back in July 2019. Europe is moving in parallel with the US on regulation — with U-Space rules governing the safe integration of drones and eVTOL into urban airspace.
From Helipads to Urban Air Corridors
How does a new type of aircraft enter already-crowded airspace? The FAA has a plan. In May 2023, it released an updated blueprint for AAM operations around urban areas. Initially, eVTOLs will fly existing helicopter routes under air traffic control. Over time, dedicated aerial corridors and communication rules will be established.
The FAA is already working with aviation authorities in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea to harmonize certification standards. Similar cooperation exists with EASA.
The technology works. The real challenges are infrastructure, public acceptance, noise, and cost. A 30-kilometer flight in 8 minutes sounds attractive. If it costs $200, it serves a niche. If it reaches $20-30, it changes how cities move.
"A brand-new type of aircraft is entering civil aviation for the first time in nearly a century. The FAA is ensuring this new generation of aircraft maintains the high level of safety that defines modern aviation."
— FAA, Advanced Air MobilityDubai expects its first paying passengers by late 2026, followed by US cities through the White House-backed eIPP program. Joby's aircraft are already rolling off production lines in California.