Electric air taxis soon to become reality: First demo completed in San Francisco

Joby Aviation, which is developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, demonstrated its technology with a flight over San Francisco, California, offering a preview of how it could transform commuting around the Bay Area.The Thursday demonstration launched Joby’s 2026 Electric Skies Tour, a pan-America showcase timed to coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary, the company said in a statement.The California-based company is headquartered in Santa Cruz and maintains offices in several other cities across the state.Video from the demonstration showed Joby Aviation’s aircraft flying past iconic Bay Area landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, on a route from the international airport in Oakland, another Californian city.

The company describes the vehicle as an air taxi "built to transport passengers quickly and quietly."“It's here, and it's happening right now. That's what's so remarkable and so exciting—flying right here in San Francisco past this iconic landmark of the Golden Gate Bridge. Today is a landmark achievement for our company and a dream come true for me,” founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt told ABC 7 News.Joby has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its new Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Programme.

Under the programme, Joby is expected to begin operations in as few as three months across several states, including Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The company plans to support missions such as cargo delivery in Florida and medical operations in North Carolina.FAA approval paves the way for future commercial air taxi flights, which Joby says could significantly cut commute times. However, a timeline for service in San Francisco has not been announced.Joby aims to price rides similar to an Uber Black, making the service more accessible, and is also exploring future autonomous operations without pilots on board.