Joby Aviation has achieved a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the USA’s Federal Aviation Administration, allowing the eVTOL aircraft developer to begin commercial operations.
Joby has received the certification ahead of schedule, with completion of the process originally expected in the second half of 2022. The five-stage process included the submission of more than 850 pages of manuals for approval and required Joby’s initial cadre of pilots to demonstrate competency under the Company’s procedures and training under FAA observation.
The Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate is one of three FAA approvals required for Joby to operate its eVTOL aircraft as an air taxi service. A Type Certificate and a Production Certificate is also required.
Bonny Simi, head of air operations and people at Joby said, “The procedures we’ve prepared lay a foundation for our future eVTOL operations. Over the coming months, we will use our Part 135 certificate to exercise the operations and customer technology platforms that will underpin our multi-modal ridesharing service, while also refining our procedures to ensure seamless journeys for our customers.
“Receiving this certificate ahead of schedule is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our team.”
Once Joby receives a type certificate for its eVTOL aircraft, the Company will complete the FAA review process to add the new aircraft type to its existing air carrier certificate. The company expects to launch its ridesharing air taxi service in 2024.
Joby’s piloted five-seat eVTOL aircraft can carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), with a maximum range of 150 miles (240 km) on a single charge. The company recently completed a program of flight testing to measure the noise made by its eVTOL aircraft and started starts conformity testing in February.
