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Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 18:39 IST
Joby Aviation conducts first all-electric eVTOL demo flight from Manhattan to JFK as FAA nears certifying its air taxi technology.
A Joby Aviation electric aircraft takes off from JFK Airport, the first point-to-point electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstration flight on Monday. (Image: AFP)
For the first time, an all-electric aircraft flew from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport. However, this was a demonstration flight.
According to CNN, electric air taxi firm Joby Aviation flew the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstration flights between two points in New York City on Friday and is continuing testing this week.
The vehicle looks similar to a giant battery-powered drone and it can carry five people including a pilot. Like a helicopter, it takes off vertically and then some of the propellers tilt to propel the aircraft forward. However, the company said in its statement that these electric aircraft are quieter than helicopters and produce zero operating emissions.
“These flights advance our work to determine how next-generation aviation technology can serve the people of New York and New Jersey," said Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the area’s airports.
According to CNN, the US Department of Transportation in March chose eight pilot programs where eVOTLs will be tested. Besides urban air taxi services, regional passenger transportation, cargo, emergency meal response operations, autonomous flight and offshore energy sector transportation are being tested.
In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had published new rules with regard to air taxis. The FAA has a five-stage process for certification.
“Together, these pilot projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft in the world," the DOT said in March. “Data from the pilot projects will be used by the FAA to develop new regulations that safely enable this futuristic technology at scale."
The company is in its final stages of FAA certification.
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Location :
New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:
April 28, 2026, 18:39 IST
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