Joby Flies 10-Minute Electric Air Taxi Route From JFK to Manhattan as US Backs 8 Projects
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 31
Joby Flies 10-Minute Electric Air Taxi Route From JFK to Manhattan as US Backs 8 Projects
9 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 31
Joby Aviation completed a pilot-only electric air taxi demonstration from JFK Airport to Manhattan in about 10 minutes, showcasing a trip that can take an hour or more by car.
The April flight was enabled by a federal push to speed air-taxi deployment, including a Transportation Department program that in March picked eight projects across 26 states.
Joby’s aircraft blends helicopter and airplane features, and manufacturers say such vehicles could eventually replace some helicopter and car trips in cities.
No company has yet won US approval to routinely carry passengers or cargo in these aircraft, and skeptics say they may stay costly and serve only limited niche markets for the next two to five years.
As Dubai prepares for air taxi service this year, why is widespread US adoption still years away?
With fares rivaling helicopters, will air taxis ever be more than a luxury service for the wealthy elite?
Joby Aviation’s 2026 NYC Air Taxi Milestone: The Dawn of Commercial eVTOL Commutes
Overview
In April 2026, Joby Aviation made history by conducting the first electric air taxi flight from JFK Airport to Manhattan, completing a point-to-point journey in just 15 minutes. This demonstration showcased the real-world potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for rapid city travel. The event marked a major milestone for urban air mobility, highlighting both the aircraft’s capabilities and the vision for future commercial air taxi services in New York City. Joby’s successful flight signals a new era in transportation, bringing the promise of faster, cleaner commutes closer to reality.