Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Begins FAA-Conforming eVTOL Power On Testing
Joby Aviation starts power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming eVTOL, advancing toward commercial urban air taxi service with rigorous certification.
The landscape of urban transportation is on the cusp of a significant transformation, moving from congested ground-based networks to the open skies above our cities. This shift is being driven by the emerging field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a sector dedicated to developing quiet, all-electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). These “air taxis” promise a future of faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel, bypassing the traffic that plagues metropolitan areas worldwide. The vision is bold, but turning it into a commercial reality requires navigating one of the most rigorous regulatory processes in the world: aircraft Certification.
At the forefront of this aviation revolution is Joby Aviation, a California-based company that has become a key player in the race to launch the first commercial air taxi service. For years, the industry has been characterized by prototypes, simulations, and ambitious timelines. However, Joby recently announced a milestone that signals a definitive shift from the theoretical to the tangible. The company has officially begun “power-on” testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft, a critical step that moves it into the final and most demanding stage of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Type Certification process.
This development is more than just a technical achievement; it represents the convergence of design, manufacturing, and regulatory strategy into a physical asset ready for scrutiny by the FAA itself. It validates the company’s progress and provides one of the clearest indicators to date that the era of electric air travel is moving closer to reality. As we break down this announcement, we see not just the progress of one company, but a blueprint for how an entire industry will earn its wings.
The Final Gauntlet: Navigating FAA Certification
Achieving FAA Type Certification is the ultimate hurdle for any company aiming to operate a new aircraft design for commercial purposes. It is an exhaustive process designed to ensure that an aircraft meets the highest standards of safety and performance. Joby’s recent announcement places it squarely in the final phase of this marathon, a stage known as the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). This is where the rubber truly meets the runway, or in this case, where the propellers meet the air under the watchful eye of the regulator.
What Makes an Aircraft “Conforming”?
A key detail in Joby’s announcement is the distinction that testing has begun on its first “FAA-conforming” aircraft. This is a crucial step up from the experimental prototypes that have characterized the development phase. A conforming aircraft is one that has been built precisely to the design specifications that the FAA has reviewed and approved for certification testing. It is manufactured using an established, FAA-approved quality management system, ensuring that every component and assembly process is documented, inspected, and repeatable.
This transition from prototype to conforming aircraft is fundamental. It demonstrates that the company can not only design a safe and capable vehicle but also produce it reliably and consistently. Each component on the TIA-ready aircraft is built to FAA-approved designs and signed off by designated airworthiness representatives. This meticulous process ensures that the aircraft the FAA tests is the exact model intended for commercial service, leaving no room for ambiguity in its evaluation.
“This is the moment where our intended type design, our manufacturing process, and our certification strategy converge into one physical asset. It validates that we can design a safe aircraft and produce it reliably.” – Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby.
The Significance of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA)
The TIA phase is considered the final exam of the certification process. During this stage, the FAA’s own test pilots and engineers get hands-on with the aircraft to conduct extensive testing and validate its performance against the approved certification plans. This is no longer about simulations or company-led demonstrations; it is a direct, in-depth evaluation by the regulatory body that will ultimately grant the license to operate.
The scope of TIA testing is comprehensive. It covers performance validation, where FAA and Joby pilots will confirm the aircraft’s range, speed, and energy management in real-world conditions. It also includes a thorough assessment of the aircraft’s control and handling qualities across all phases of flight, from the complexities of vertical takeoff and landing to the efficiency of wingborne cruise. Furthermore, the TIA process validates all operational procedures, including maintenance manuals and pilot training curriculum, ensuring the entire ecosystem around the aircraft is safe and reliable.
Successfully completing the TIA is the last major step before the FAA issues a Type Certificate. The data gathered during these rigorous tests will form the basis of the FAA’s final decision, making this phase a make-or-break moment for Joby and a bellwether for the entire UAM industry.
From Theory to Reality: The “Power-On” Milestone
Joby’s announcement that it has initiated “power-on” testing marks the official start of this final certification chapter. This initial step, while conducted on the ground, is a foundational part of preparing the aircraft for flight. It involves activating the vehicle’s electrical systems to begin the painstaking process of testing and integrating thousands of hardware and software components. This is where the complex interplay between avionics, propulsion systems, and flight controls is verified before the aircraft is cleared for flight.
A Culmination of a Decade’s Work
This milestone is the result of more than a decade of focused engineering, design refinement, and strategic planning. The journey to develop a novel aircraft like an eVTOL is incredibly complex, involving not just innovative technology but also a deep understanding of the certification landscape. The power-on test represents the physical manifestation of all that work, bringing together years of research and development into a single, functional aircraft ready for the final stages of validation.
The process is methodical. These initial ground tests are designed to catch any integration issues early, ensuring that when the aircraft does take to the skies for “for credit” testing, its systems are functioning in perfect harmony. This meticulous preparation is essential for a smooth and successful flight test campaign, where every maneuver and data point will be closely scrutinized by the FAA.
The global UAM market, valued at approximately USD 5.00 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 30% through 2034. This rapid expansion is fueled by increasing urban congestion and significant investments in Electric-Aviation propulsion technology. Joby’s progress serves as a tangible sign of maturity in this burgeoning market, solidifying its position as a leader in the race to commercialize eVTOLs.
The Road Ahead: From Ground Tests to FAA Pilots
With power-on testing underway, Joby has laid out a clear timeline for the next steps in its TIA process. The company’s own pilots are expected to begin flight testing the conforming aircraft later in 2025. This will be followed by a pivotal moment in 2026, when FAA pilots are scheduled to take the controls. This progression from internal to regulatory flight testing is a standard and crucial part of the certification pathway.
The data collected throughout this period will be instrumental for the FAA’s final determination. Every aspect of the aircraft’s performance and safety will be documented and analyzed to ensure it meets the stringent requirements for commercial passenger service. While the timeline highlights that commercial operations are still on the horizon, this milestone provides the clearest and most credible path forward yet.
This achievement not only advances Joby’s goals but also de-risks the certification path for the broader AAM industry. By successfully navigating the TIA process, Joby is helping to establish the framework and precedent for how future eVTOL aircraft will be certified, paving the way for a new era in aviation.
Concluding Section
Joby Aviation’s initiation of power-on testing on its first FAA-conforming aircraft is a landmark achievement in the Urban Air Mobility sector. It signifies a critical transition from conceptual design and prototyping to the final, rigorous phase of regulatory validation. By entering the Type Inspection Authorization process, Joby has demonstrated tangible progress, validating over a decade of engineering and manufacturing development. This is no longer a distant vision; it is a physical aircraft being prepared for the ultimate scrutiny of FAA test pilots, a clear and decisive step on the path to commercialization.
Looking ahead, this milestone has implications that extend far beyond a single company. It provides a vital proof point for the entire AAM industry, demonstrating that a clear and navigable path to certifying these novel electric aircraft exists. As Joby proceeds with flight testing through 2025 and into 2026, the world will be watching closely. The successful certification of Joby’s eVTOL would not only unlock the potential for a new mode of urban transport but also set the standard for safety, reliability, and innovation in 21st-century aviation.
FAQ
Question: What is an eVTOL aircraft?
Answer: An eVTOL is an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It is designed to operate like a helicopter for takeoff and landing but fly like a conventional airplane during cruise, offering a quiet, efficient, and emission-free mode of air travel for urban environments.
Question: What does “FAA-conforming” mean?
Answer: An FAA-conforming aircraft is one that has been built exactly to the design specifications and quality standards approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for certification testing. It signifies a move from experimental prototypes to a production-intent vehicle.
Question: Why is the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) so important?
Answer: The TIA is the final stage of the FAA’s Type Certification process. It is critical because it involves hands-on testing of the aircraft by FAA pilots and engineers to validate its safety, performance, and operational readiness before it can be approved for commercial service.
Question: When can we expect to see Joby air taxis in service?
Answer: While Joby has entered the final stage of certification, the process is intensive. Flight testing with Joby pilots is expected to begin in late 2025, with FAA pilots flying in 2026. A final Type Certificate will be issued after the successful completion of all TIA testing, which is a prerequisite for starting commercial passenger service.
Sources: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
DSV and Google Cloud Start SAF Pilot to Cut Air Freight Emissions
DSV will secure up to 9.7 million liters of SAF for Google Cloud’s air freight, targeting 25,000 tonnes of lifecycle emissions cuts.
DSV will secure up to 9.7 million liters (2.5 million US gallons) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for Google Cloud’s air freight in a pilot agreement that the logistics company expects to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes compared with conventional jet fuel.
DSV announced the collaboration in a press release dated November 11, 2026. The fuel will cover Google Cloud’s air freight on a key lane of its shipments, and the companies describe the agreement as a pilot that prepares the ground for a broader sustainability collaboration. It is a smaller deal than the SAF agreement DSV announced in April 2026 with Microsoft, United Airlines and Phillips 66, but it runs on the same book-and-claim model and the same certification and registry chain.
How the book-and-claim pilot works
Under the book-and-claim methodology used in the pilot, emissions reductions can be allocated to Google Cloud regardless of where the fuel is physically used. DSV said the SAF is made only from waste and residue feedstocks, excluding palm and palm-derived materials, and cuts lifecycle aviation emissions by 85% compared with conventional fossil jet fuel.
The fuel is third-party certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme. Its environmental attributes are issued, transferred and retired through the independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate Registry (SAFc Registry), with support from DSV’s internal tracking. According to the release, each tonne of CO₂e reduction is assigned to a specific shipper and protected against double-counting, giving Google Cloud an auditable trail for its emissions reporting.
DSV’s own book-and-claim service page sets out the commercial terms behind such deals. Customers pay a premium that reflects the price gap between low-carbon and conventional energy, based on the volume bought rather than individual shipments, and the system is audited annually by an independent third party. DSV says most companies report the reductions under Scope 3 Category 4 or 9, and that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, published in June 2026, explicitly recognises activity-pool-based book-and-claim approaches for transport.
What the two companies said
Frank Sobotka, CEO of DSV’s Air & Sea Division, said: “Our customers want practical ways to lower the emissions of the goods they move.” He said combining Google Cloud’s ambition with DSV’s SAF programme is how “we turn a sustainability goal into measurable results in air freight.”
Brian Stewart, Senior Director, Logistics, at Google Cloud, said the collaboration builds on the company’s efforts to cut emissions across its global logistics operations. “Partnering on sustainable aviation fuel provides an auditable, transparent mechanism to address air freight emissions,” he said.
DSV’s April deal with Microsoft, United and Phillips 66
The Google Cloud pilot follows a larger arrangement DSV announced on April 15, 2026. In that deal, Phillips 66 can supply up to 11 million gallons (41.6 million litres) of SAF, expected to cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by about 100,000 tonnes compared with conventional jet fuel. United Airlines uses the fuel, while DSV and Microsoft take part through book and claim. DSV said those savings are roughly the equivalent of one freighter flight per day, every day of the year.
Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, called it “the largest contracted SAF supply agreement with a single customer, DSV,” in the history of United’s Eco-Skies Alliance corporate SAF program. The April transaction used the same ISCC certification and SAFc Registry tracking described in the Google Cloud release.
For scale, DSV’s United States fact sheet lists, for 2025, more than 150,000 employees, a network in more than 90 countries and more than 2 million tons of airfreight. The group acquired Schenker, and Frank Sobotka, who heads its Air & Sea Division, is quoted in both the Google Cloud and the April releases.
Where SAF supply stands
DSV’s release says SAF supply is limited, so customer and partner commitments are needed to build the demand that allows wider use. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated on June 6, 2026, that global SAF output would reach about 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, or 0.8% of aviation fuel use, at a cost to airlines of $4.3 billion. IATA Director General Willie Walsh called 2026 another disappointing year for SAF.
IATA’s own list of priorities includes a global SAF market with enough volume at viable prices, supported by a book-and-claim system and harmonized standards. That is the mechanism DSV uses with shippers such as Google Cloud and Microsoft: the reduction is allocated to the customer regardless of where the fuel is physically used.
Other air cargo SAF programs covered by AirPro News include DHL Express’s TotalEnergies fuel deal at Paris CDG and SHEIN’s SAF pilot with DHL Express. DSV has not disclosed which lane the Google Cloud fuel will cover, the airline involved or the pilot’s duration.
Electric Aircraft
Vertical Aerospace Gains AS9100 Quality Certification From BSI
Vertical Aerospace believes it is the first eVTOL developer with AS9100, awarded by BSI for its design and production quality system.
Vertical Aerospace has received AS9100 certification for the quality management system that covers its design and production work, and the Bristol-based developer of the Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft believes it is the first eVTOL developer to achieve the standard. The British Standards Institution (BSI) awarded the certificate after an independent assessment that closed a year-long quality improvement programme at the company.
In a press release dated November 12, 2026, and announced on World Quality Day, Vertical said the certification confirms that its quality management system across design and production meets the standards used by manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. The company said it gives airline customers and operating partners independent assurance about its future aircraft production and delivery, and supports opportunities where AS9100 is required. The certificate comes as Vertical prepares to build its first certification-conforming aircraft, and after it announced a review of strategic alternatives on September 24, 2026.
What the AS9100 standard covers
AS9100 was developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and builds on ISO 9001 with requirements for aviation, space and defence. The IAQG states that the standard can be used “at all levels of the supply chain by organizations around the world,” and that it is intended to improve quality, schedule and cost performance by reducing or eliminating organisation-unique requirements.
For Vertical, the certificate is the result of a year-long quality improvement programme that ended with BSI’s independent assessment. Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, said:
“We are leading the way in electric aviation by holding ourselves to the highest standards in aerospace.”
Simpson said achieving AS9100 means the company’s quality management system is certified against the same standard used by established manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. “It is what our customers expect,” he said, adding that this is the discipline Vertical is bringing to Valo and to building a company customers can depend on.
Giancarlo Silvestri, Global Head of Aerospace and Defence (Assurance) at BSI, called the accredited certification “an important step in Vertical’s development as an aerospace manufacturer,” and said it gives airline customers and operating partners greater confidence in the quality management foundations behind the company’s ambitions.
A quality certificate alongside the regulator’s approvals
The AS9100 certificate comes from BSI. Vertical’s design organisation approval comes from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In its release of March 30, 2023, Vertical said the CAA had issued it a Design Organisation Approval (DOA), number UK.21J.1001, the first DOA the CAA had issued to an eVTOL manufacturer. The CAA’s assessment for that approval covered Vertical’s procedures, quality management system, technical workforce competence, and facilities and equipment.
The same release said UK and European companies need a DOA to hold a Type Certificate, which Vertical described in July 2024 as a prerequisite for commercial service. On July 10, 2024, the company said the CAA had expanded the scope of the approval so that its own engineers could certify compliance in more technical areas, including further flight control, avionics and electrical systems activities. That release also said the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the CAA had agreed how they would collaborate on certification, setting up common standards and concurrent certification and validation of the VX4. Vertical unveiled Valo, which succeeds the VX4 prototype, on December 10, 2025.
Where the Valo programme stands
Valo is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL whose cabin can expand to six seats, according to the December 2025 launch release, which gave a range of up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph. That release targeted certification in 2028, working with the CAA and EASA, and planned seven certification aircraft built in the UK.
The company’s more recent statements give 2029. In a release dated September 25, 2026, announcing the opening of its Aircraft Assembly Centre at Cotswold Airport, Vertical said the £1.5 million facility would build certification-conforming aircraft for compliance and verification testing with the CAA, targeting Type Certification in 2029. Assembly of the first certification-conforming aircraft is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
After certification, the centre is expected to support initial customer deliveries, with capacity to assemble more than 25 Valo aircraft a year in the early-production phase. Higher-volume manufacturing will take place at a separate facility, and Vertical said it expected to announce plans for it in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In flight testing, Vertical said in its H1 2026 business update that in April it became the second company globally to complete a piloted transition flight in a full-scale tiltrotor eVTOL, and that it flew five consecutive days of piloted transition demonstrations at the Farnborough International Airshow in front of more than 140,000 visitors. The company has said it remains on track to complete its Critical Design Review by year-end 2026. On October 16, 2026, it announced supplier agreements for seating and inertial reference systems with ANH Structure and Northrop Grumman LITEF.
Financing, customers and the strategic review
On September 24, 2026, Vertical announced a review of strategic alternatives, including potential strategic and financial partnerships, and retained Jefferies LLC as financial advisor. It said operations, the certification programme and commercial commitments would continue during the review, that no timetable had been set, and that there was no assurance the review would result in any transaction or outcome. The company said it would not disclose developments unless its board approves a specific course of action, decides further disclosure is appropriate, or disclosure is required by law.
That announcement followed approximately $100 million of new financing and the appointment of former Airbus Commercial Aircraft chief executive Fabrice Brégier as chair. In its H1 2026 business update, Vertical reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $134 million (£99 million) as of August 13, 2026, and expected net cash outflows of approximately $150 million (£110 million) over the following 12 months. It said short-term liquidity, remaining financing proceeds and anticipated future draws were expected to provide at least 12 months of runway.
Vertical reports about 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers on four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines, and says certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled through third-party agreements. The company, headquartered in Bristol, UK, works with Honeywell, Syensqo and Sonaca and develops its own battery and propeller technology.
Electric Aircraft
Archer and Formula 1 to Explore Air Taxi Flights at Grand Prix Races
Archer and Formula 1 announced a multi-year partnership to study Midnight eVTOL transfers for VIPs and fans at select Grand Prix circuits.
Archer Aviation and Formula 1 have announced a multi-year partnership to explore flying VIPs and fans to and from Grand Prix circuits aboard Archer’s Midnight electric air taxi, including dedicated landing points at circuits and air taxi services within F1’s hospitality and ticketing offerings.
Archer announced the agreement in a press release dated November 12, 2026. The partnership covers select Grands Prix that align with what Archer calls key commercial markets in the US, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The release gives no financial terms and no date for a first air taxi flight at a race, and it describes the work as something the partners will explore.
What the partners plan to study
According to the release, the two companies will look at dedicated air taxi drop-off and pick-up locations at circuits, and at including air taxi services in F1’s hospitality and ticketing offerings. Once Archer’s commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations launch in F1 markets, fans could skip traffic between major airports, business hubs and other key destinations, Archer said.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said in the release:
“Innovation is at the heart of Formula 1, and Archer shares our passion for pushing boundaries and exploring what is possible.”
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, pointed to the size of the sport’s audience, saying “With 830 million fans worldwide, Formula 1 gives us a global audience of prospective passengers”. He added that motorsport and aerospace share the same engineering DNA, and that the companies hope to show how innovation on the ground and in the sky could combine for fans at the track.
Archer also drew a technical comparison. It said the power-to-weight demands of eVTOL aircraft are comparable to those of F1, and that, as in an F1 car, its electric propulsion, advanced composites and aerodynamics are engineered as one system.
Where Archer’s planned networks meet the race calendar
Archer said its planned US air taxi networks map closely to F1 race locations, including Miami and Texas, where it has unveiled planned infrastructure networks. Its Texas plan, announced on October 23, 2026, includes an Austin network connecting Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Austin Executive Airport with the F1 Circuit Helipad at the Circuit of the Americas, which Archer said would put Formula 1 United States Grand Prix races minutes away. The same plan covers Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, and Archer said Midnight could turn 60 to 90 minute ground trips into 10 to 20 minute flights.
In South Florida, Archer’s Miami network plan of December 2025 named Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, among the sites whose existing helipads will be prepared for electric operations. That network would also link Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
The partnership already has a public side. Archer displayed Midnight at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, October 22 to 25, in the Fan Zone and F1 Paddock as an Official Supporter of F1, and the aircraft will be displayed again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later in 2026, according to the release. Archer’s third-quarter results release of November 9, 2026, had already said the two companies were forming a multi-year strategic alliance.
Where Midnight stands
Midnight is a piloted electric air taxi that carries up to four passengers and has 12 total engines and propellers, according to Archer. In its third-quarter update and FAA certificate news, Archer said Midnight had received a Market Survey Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, which the company expects to allow operations in Los Angeles. The company said it is preparing to carry passengers under the US Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and for the LA28 Olympic Games.
The eIPP is the framework for Archer’s planned Texas and Florida operations. In March 2026, the Department of Transportation and the FAA selected Archer’s partners in Texas, Florida and New York for the program, and Archer said at the time that it planned early Midnight operations in those states as soon as the second half of 2026. Archer, BETA and Macquarie Capital also launched the ACES charging consortium, which aims to electrify up to 250 air taxi sites across America by 2030 and is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on charging to support eIPP operations in Texas.
Archer reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $5.1 million and a net loss of $274.6 million, with total liquidity of $1.4 billion. The company said its acquisition of Boeing’s Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid businesses is nearing close, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
What the announcement leaves open
The release names no race where air taxi transfers would be offered first, and gives no pricing or start date. It ties services for fans to the launch of Archer’s commercial eVTOL operations in F1 markets.
Archer’s forward-looking statements list aircraft design and specifications, development and certification timing, air taxi network plans including the eIPP, and the expected benefits of collaborations such as the one with Formula 1 among the matters that could differ from its plans.
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