Technology & Innovation
Kazakhstan Partners with Joby Aviation for eVTOL Air Taxi Service
Kazakhstan teams up with Joby Aviation to introduce eVTOL air taxis in the smart city of Alatau, advancing urban mobility and sustainable transport.
The landscape of urban transportation is on the cusp of a significant transformation, moving from congested ground-level streets to the open skies. In a decisive step toward this future, the Republic of Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a leader in Central Asia’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. A landmark letter of intent signals a new partnership between California-based Joby Aviation, a frontrunner in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG). This collaboration is not merely a commercial transaction; it represents a strategic alignment to build a new transportation ecosystem from the ground up.
At the heart of this initiative is the development of Alatau, a new “smart city” envisioned as a major international hub. The introduction of an air taxi service is a cornerstone of this vision, promising to integrate cutting-edge technology directly into the city’s infrastructure. The agreement with Joby Aviation underscores a broader national strategy to embrace innovative technologies and foster sustainable urban development. By preparing to launch one of the region’s first eVTOL services, Kazakhstan is signaling its ambition to leapfrog traditional transportation challenges and create a model for future cities.
The agreement outlines the potential sale of up to $250 million in aircraft and services from Joby Aviation to AAAG. This letter of intent is the first step toward establishing a definitive commercial relationship that will bring Joby’s all-electric air taxis to the skies of Kazakhstan. The partnership is a tripartite effort, with crucial support from the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ministry has committed to developing the necessary regulatory framework and infrastructure, a critical component for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these next-generation aircraft. This government backing is essential for navigating the complexities of certifying and launching a novel form of public transportation.
This collaboration follows what Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, describes as a “proven market-entry playbook.” The strategy involves partnering with both a strategic local operator (AAAG) and the national government to streamline the path to commercial operations. This model has been successful for Joby in other regions, notably the Middle East, where similar agreements have been established in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. For its part, AAAG aims to be the first to introduce eVTOLs in the region, establishing the necessary ground infrastructure and operational expertise.
Beyond the sale of aircraft, the agreement includes a provision for a deeper economic partnership. The parties will collaborate on sourcing critical materials, such as titanium and rare earth metals, from Kazakhstan for the production of Joby’s aircraft. This element adds a significant supply-chain dimension to the deal, creating potential for local economic development and integrating Kazakhstan into the global AAM manufacturing network. It transforms the relationship from a simple buyer-seller dynamic into a more symbiotic partnership focused on mutual growth.
“Kazakhstan is taking a step into the future of innovative transportation. The purchase of electric eVTOL aircraft will mark an important milestone in the development of smart cities and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.”, Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The initial deployment of Joby’s air taxi service is planned for Alatau City and the nearby metropolitan area of Almaty. Alatau is not just any city; it is a massive development project spanning 88,000 hectares, an area larger than Singapore. The project is designed from the outset to be a “smart city,” incorporating advanced technologies into its core functions. The integration of an air taxi service is a key feature of this forward-thinking urban planning, intended to provide clean, quiet, and rapid transportation for its future residents and businesses.
Kazakhstan’s interest in urban air mobility is not limited to a single provider. The nation has been actively exploring the sector, as evidenced by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2025 between Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang and Allur Group, a major Kazakh automotive company. This multi-pronged approach suggests a deliberate strategy to foster a competitive and robust UAM ecosystem. By engaging with multiple global leaders in the eVTOL space, Kazakhstan is diversifying its options and accelerating its learning curve in this nascent industry.
The development of Alatau City, which has already broken ground, provides a unique “greenfield” opportunity for deploying air mobility solutions. Unlike established megacities where infrastructure must be retrofitted, Alatau can be designed with vertiports and air corridors in mind. This proactive approach can help overcome many of the logistical and regulatory hurdles that UAM faces in other parts of the world, potentially making Kazakhstan a global showcase for the successful integration of air taxis into urban life. The partnership between Joby Aviation and stakeholders in Kazakhstan is more than a headline-grabbing deal; it is a tangible step toward realizing the promise of advanced air mobility. It brings together a leading technology provider with a nation committed to innovation and strategic development. The plan to launch air taxi services in the new city of Alatau demonstrates a holistic approach, where transportation is not an afterthought but a foundational element of urban design.
As this initiative moves from a letter of intent to definitive agreements and eventual operation, it will serve as a critical case study for the rest of the world. The success of this collaboration could create a blueprint for how public and private sectors can work together to build the smart, sustainable cities of the future. It highlights a global trend where nations are actively competing to become hubs for next-generation industries, and in the race for the skies, Kazakhstan has just made a powerful move.
Question: Who are the main parties involved in this agreement? Question: What is the Alatau City project? Question: Is this Joby Aviation’s first major international agreement?
Kazakhstan Bets on the Future of Mobility with Joby Aviation Partnership
A Multi-Layered Strategic Agreement
Building a Smart City with the Sky in Mind
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Urban Development
FAQ
Answer: The primary parties are Joby Aviation, the aircraft developer; Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG), the local operator; and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is providing governmental and regulatory support.
Answer: Alatau is a new “smart city” being developed in Kazakhstan over an 88,000-hectare area. It is designed to be a major international hub in Central Asia, with advanced technologies, including an air taxi service, integrated into its core infrastructure.
Answer: No, this agreement is part of Joby’s broader international strategy. The company has already established significant partnerships in the Middle East, including an agreement for exclusive air taxi operations in Dubai and a memorandum of understanding to introduce its aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
SkyDrive Secures JCAB Certification Plan for SD-05 eVTOL
SkyDrive reached an agreement with JCAB on the General Certification Plan for its SD-05 eVTOL, moving toward certification and a 2028 commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from SkyDrive Inc.
On March 9, 2026, Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. announced a critical regulatory milestone. According to an official company press release, SkyDrive has reached an agreement with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) regarding the General Certification Plan for its “SKYDRIVE” Model SD-05 aircraft. This agreement formally outlines the specific testing and compliance activities required to prove the aircraft’s safety and airworthiness.
By aligning with the Japanese government on how the aircraft will be evaluated, SkyDrive effectively transitions from the regulatory planning phase into the physical compliance testing phase. Company officials note that this development significantly de-risks the remainder of the certification process, keeping the manufacturer on track for its targeted commercial launch in 2028.
Concurrently, SkyDrive is pursuing validation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the company’s timeline, an application was submitted to the FAA through the JCAB in June 2024, opening the door for simultaneous certification and future entry into the American advanced air mobility (AAM) market.
The type certification process is a rigorous, multi-year endeavor designed to ensure that new aircraft designs meet strict aviation safety standards. According to the company’s announcement, the agreement on the General Certification Plan represents Step 4 of the JCAB’s 6-step type certification process.
With the overarching plan now agreed upon, the government and the manufacturer are fully aligned on the methodologies that will be used to demonstrate compliance. SkyDrive has already submitted system-specific certification plans covering critical components such as the aircraft’s structure, electric motors, and noise profile. Once these specific plans are approved, the company will advance to Step 5, which involves rigorous physical compliance testing, including ground-based rig tests and comprehensive flight tests.
In the March 9 press release, SkyDrive’s Chief Technology Officer highlighted the rarity and importance of this regulatory advancement:
“Reaching agreement with JCAB on the General Certification Plan represents an extremely significant milestone for SkyDrive. The agreement, which shortens the projected timeline for compliance activities and reduces future risk, shows that we are on the right track for the certification of our Aircraft with the JCAB and FAA.”, Arnaud Coville, Chief Technology Officer, SkyDrive Inc.
The SkyDrive Model SD-05 is a compact, fully electric, multi-rotor aircraft engineered specifically for short-range urban and regional travel. Following a redesign in 2023, the production model is configured to accommodate one pilot and two passengers. According to technical specifications provided by the company, the SD-05 features 12 electric motors and 12 rotors arranged in six coaxial pairs, a design choice intended to provide high redundancy and flight stability. The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of approximately 100 km/h (62 mph) and a practical flight range of 15 to 40 kilometers (9 to 25 miles), making it optimized for urban air taxi routes and premium point-to-point shuttles.
To ensure scalability, SkyDrive has partnered with automotive giant Suzuki Motor Corporation. Official company timelines indicate that the SD-05 officially entered production in March 2024 at a manufacturing facility owned by Suzuki, which serves as SkyDrive’s strategic production partner.
SkyDrive has maintained a highly active testing and demonstration schedule leading up to this certification milestone. In February 2025, the JCAB issued a “G-1 certification basis” for the SD-05, establishing the foundational airworthiness criteria. This was followed by high-profile demonstration flights at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
More recently, in late February 2026, SkyDrive conducted five days of public demonstration flights in the Tokyo Bay area in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Co. and Kanematsu Corporation. These tests focused on passenger processing and vertiport infrastructure. Furthermore, on March 6, 2026, industry reports from Urban Air Mobility News confirmed that SkyDrive signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the aerospace study group MASC to supply two SD-05 aircraft in 2028 for aerial tourist routes over Japan’s Inland Sea.
During a February 2026 press conference regarding the MASC partnership, SkyDrive’s leadership emphasized the broader vision for the technology:
“As a new means of air mobility, we are confident that our eVTOLs will, in the near future, make a significant contribution to the growth of tourism… we work to launch our services in 2028 as a starting point toward the eventual regular daily use of eVTOL.”, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO, SkyDrive Inc.
To facilitate this daily use, SkyDrive is actively collaborating with major Japanese railway operators to create seamless transit connections. The company envisions a system where passengers can transfer directly from trains to eVTOLs using standard transit IC cards, such as JR’s Suica.
We view this regulatory agreement as a critical “transition to reality” for the Japanese eVTOL sector. The advanced air mobility industry has long been characterized by conceptual renders and experimental prototypes. By securing JCAB approval on the General Certification Plan, SkyDrive is moving out of the experimental phase and into the realm of rigorous, government-mandated safety testing.
Furthermore, the strategic manufacturing alliance with Suzuki provides SkyDrive with a distinct advantage in production scalability, a hurdle that has historically challenged aerospace startups. While SkyDrive is clearly positioning Japan as a leader in AAM, its concurrent certification efforts with the FAA demonstrate a calculated ambition to capture a share of the lucrative U.S. market shortly after its domestic debut. The SD-05 is a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Japanese manufacturer SkyDrive. It is designed to carry one pilot and two passengers, featuring 12 electric motors and a practical range of 15 to 40 kilometers.
According to the company’s official timeline, SkyDrive is firmly targeting the year 2028 for the launch of its commercial eVTOL services, which will include urban air taxi routes and tourism flights.
Reaching an agreement on the General Certification Plan (Step 4 of the JCAB’s 6-step process) means that the aviation regulator and the manufacturer have agreed on exactly how the aircraft will be tested to prove it meets all safety and legal requirements. It clears the way for physical ground and flight testing.
Sources:
SkyDrive Secures JCAB Agreement on General Certification Plan for SD-05 eVTOL
The Certification Pathway and Next Steps
Moving to Physical Compliance
The SD-05 Aircraft and Manufacturing Strategy
Technical Specifications and Production
Commercialization and Recent Milestones
Tourism and Transit Integration
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SkyDrive SD-05?
When will SkyDrive launch commercial services?
What does the General Certification Plan agreement mean?
Photo Credit: SkyDrive
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Begins Flight Testing FAA Conforming Aircraft
Joby Aviation initiates flight tests for its FAA conforming aircraft, advancing toward commercial certification and expanding operations across 10 states.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has officially commenced flight testing for its first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conforming aircraft, marking a critical milestone in the company’s journey toward commercial passenger service. According to a recent press release from the electric air taxi developer, the aircraft is currently undergoing evaluations for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), which represents the final stage of the FAA’s type Certification process.
Initial Test-Flights are being conducted by Joby’s own pilots at the company’s facility in Marina, California. These preliminary flights are designed to prepare the aircraft for official “for credit” testing by FAA pilots, who are expected to visit the Marina site later this year.
This development follows closely on the heels of the U.S. government’s decision to allow mature electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs to begin early operations nationwide. As noted in the company’s announcement, Joby is participating in the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which grants the company operational opportunities across ten states.
The aircraft currently in flight testing, bearing the registration number N547JX, is the first in a dedicated fleet being manufactured specifically to support TIA testing. Joby Aviation states that the aircraft was assembled using components and an airframe built to designs approved by FAA Designated Engineering Representatives. Furthermore, the assembly has been signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives in accordance with the company’s approved test plans.
“Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team. It’s the validation of years of hard work and marks our entry into the final phase of bringing this aircraft to market,” said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEMs at Joby, in the company’s press release. “After focusing on ‘for credit’ testing at both the equipment and system levels, we’re now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations. This is evidence that our rigorous design and certification process is paying off, and we look forward to welcoming FAA pilots to Marina in due course.”
The recent authorization under the eIPP program significantly broadens Joby’s testing and operational footprint. According to the official release, the company now has the opportunity to conduct flights in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. This expanded access is expected to accelerate the company’s timeline for launching commercial air taxi services.
Joby attributes its rapid progression from prototype to a conforming aircraft to its vertically integrated Manufacturing strategy. The company notes that the vast majority of its aircraft components are engineered, tested, and manufactured in-house. This approach is intended to reduce reliance on external suppliers, enhance quality control, and minimize production lead times.
To support its long-term commercial objectives, Joby has been actively expanding its manufacturing footprint. The press release highlights that in 2025, the company completed an expansion of its Marina, California facility and initiated propeller blade production in Ohio. Looking ahead, Joby recently acquired a 700,000-square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio. According to the company’s projections, this new site will enable Joby to double its production rate to four aircraft per month by 2027. Ultimately, the Dayton facilities are expected to support the delivery of up to 500 aircraft annually.
The transition to flying an FAA-conforming aircraft is a definitive signal that Joby Aviation is moving out of the experimental research phase and into the rigorous, standardized testing required for commercial passenger operations. By securing participation in the White House-backed eIPP, Joby not only gains valuable real-world testing environments across ten states but also demonstrates strong regulatory alignment. The company’s aggressive push to scale manufacturing in Ohio simultaneously indicates that they are preparing for post-certification fleet deployment, aiming to meet their ambitious target of producing up to 500 aircraft per year.
TIA is a critical phase in the FAA certification process where the regulatory body officially begins “for credit” flight testing on an aircraft that conforms to its final design specifications.
According to the company, initial flight testing is taking place at Joby’s test facility in Marina, California.
Through the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), Joby has the opportunity to fly in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
Advancing Toward Commercial Certification
The TIA Testing Fleet
Expanding Operational Reach
Scaling Production and Manufacturing
Vertical Integration Strategy
Facility Expansion and Production Goals
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Type Inspection Authorization (TIA)?
Where is Joby Aviation testing its new aircraft?
What states are included in Joby’s early operations program?
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Airbus Advances Global 5G Connectivity with SpaceRAN and LEO Satellites
Airbus launches SpaceRAN to integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G networks using LEO satellites, targeting aviation connectivity by 2028.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
The aerospace and telecommunications sectors are converging to eliminate global connectivity dead zones. Airbus has outlined its vision to integrate Terrestrial Networks (TN) with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), aiming to deliver seamless, high-speed 5G coverage to commercial aviation and remote areas worldwide.
According to an official release from the Airbus Newsroom, the European aerospace manufacturer is leveraging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, positioned 2,000 kilometers or less above the Earth, to act as “floating cell towers.” This initiative seeks to provide gate-to-gate 5G connectivity, transforming how passengers and aircraft systems interact with digital networks.
Central to this effort is the SpaceRAN demonstrator, a project spearheaded by the company’s innovation hub, Airbus UpNext. By prioritizing open standards and in-orbit data processing, Airbus is laying the groundwork for a unified communications fabric that bridges the gap between ground-based cellular towers and space-based infrastructure.
Historically, satellite communications have relied on “bent-pipe” architectures, which simply relay signals back to Earth for processing. Airbus notes that the SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network) demonstrator, officially launched in January 2026, shifts this paradigm by utilizing software-defined satellites to process 5G data directly in space.
This in-orbit processing capability is designed to significantly reduce end-to-end latency and maximize data throughput. By handling data in orbit, the system can more efficiently manage the high-speed connections required for modern commercial aviation and real-time operational data exchange.
A critical component of Airbus’s strategy is the push for an open, non-proprietary industry standard for 5G NTN. The company states that supporting universal standards will guarantee interoperability between different network operators globally.
This approach ensures that airlines and aircraft operators are not locked into a single external provider’s proprietary technology, allowing for greater flexibility, competitive pricing, and seamless handoffs between different networks as an aircraft traverses the globe. Airbus has established a clear roadmap for deploying this technology. The foundation was laid in February 2025, when Airbus, alongside Eutelsat, MediaTek, ITRI, and the European Space Agency (ESA), announced the world’s first successful trial of 5G NTN technology using the Airbus-built OneWeb LEO constellation.
Following the January 2026 launch of the SpaceRAN project, Airbus leaders, including Olivier Hauw, Head of the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator, and Brian Barritt, CTO of Aalyria, presented their vision for a unified communications fabric at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in March 2026.
Looking ahead, Airbus projects that between 2027 and 2028, the SpaceRAN project will conduct ground demonstrations simulating a two-satellite LEO constellation. This phase will test essential functions like beam and satellite handovers. An in-orbit demonstration featuring a 5G NTN payload on an Airbus LEO satellite is scheduled for launch in 2027, with initial testing results expected by 2028.
To achieve these milestones, Airbus is partnering with specialized technology firms. UK-based AccelerComm is providing patented hardware acceleration technology for the SpaceRAN demonstrator. According to AccelerComm, this integration can increase satellite throughput by up to ten times compared to software-only implementations.
“A key enabler for standardized global connectivity and the evolution of future non-terrestrial network architectures,” stated David Helfgott, CEO of AccelerComm, regarding the delivery of 5G processing in orbit.
Additionally, Airbus is collaborating with Aalyria to explore software-defined NTN technology, focusing on further reducing latency and enabling seamless integration with terrestrial mobile networks.
The successful deployment of 5G NTNs promises profound impacts on the commercial aviation sector. Airbus envisions a future where cellular-standard 5G connectivity is as ubiquitous on new aircraft as connected navigation systems are in modern automobiles, allowing passengers to experience the same network performance in the air as they do on the ground.
Beyond passenger entertainment, high-speed, low-latency connections will facilitate real-time data exchange between the aircraft and ground control. Airbus highlights that this capability will vastly improve flight management, enable predictive maintenance, and enhance overall flight safety.
We view Airbus’s aggressive push into standardized 5G NTN as a strategic maneuver to commoditize inflight connectivity. By championing open standards over proprietary systems, Airbus is positioning itself as a neutral platform provider, potentially disrupting legacy satellite internet providers that rely on closed ecosystems. Furthermore, the explicit mention of this technology serving as a stepping stone for 6G indicates that Airbus is playing a long game. The 2027–2028 testing window will be critical; if the in-orbit data processing performs as expected, it could trigger a rapid industry-wide shift toward integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, fundamentally altering airline operational models by the end of the decade.
What is a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)? What is the SpaceRAN demonstrator? When will Airbus test this technology in space?
The SpaceRAN Demonstrator and Technological Shifts
Moving Beyond “Bent-Pipe” Satellites
Fostering Open Industry Standards
Project Timeline and Strategic Partnerships
Milestones on the Road to 5G NTN
Collaborating with Tech Innovators
Implications for Aviation and Beyond
Transforming the Passenger and Operational Experience
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
An NTN utilizes space-borne or airborne assets, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, to provide network coverage in areas where traditional ground-based cell towers cannot reach, such as over oceans or in remote regions.
Launched by Airbus UpNext in January 2026, SpaceRAN is a technology demonstrator aimed at integrating commercial aviation into a standardized global 5G network using software-defined satellites that process data directly in orbit.
Airbus plans to launch a 5G NTN payload on a LEO satellite in 2027, with initial in-orbit testing results expected by 2028.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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