Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation to Double US Manufacturing Capacity by 2027
Joby Aviation plans to increase U.S. production to four electric air taxis per month by 2027, supported by Toyota and U.S. government strategy.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation and additional industry data.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a developer of electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities. According to an official company statement released today, Joby is investing to double its production capacity in the United States, targeting an output of four aircraft per month by 2027. This move represents a strategic shift from its previous target of two aircraft per month.
The expansion encompasses facilities in both Marina, California, and Dayton, Ohio. The announcement aligns with the recently unveiled “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy” by the U.S. government, which outlines the integration of air taxis into the national airspace. With a reported cash balance of $978 million as of the third quarter of 2025, Joby appears positioned to fund this acceleration as it prepares for commercial launch in Dubai in 2026.
To achieve the annualized rate of approximately 48 aircraft, Joby is delineating specific roles for its primary U.S. facilities. The company’s press release and subsequent shareholder updates clarify the division of labor required to scale complex aerospace manufacturing.
The Marina facility serves as the primary pilot production line. Recent expansions have brought this footprint to approximately 435,000 square feet. Currently, this site is responsible for assembling FAA-conforming aircraft used in certification testing. Under the new plan, Marina will continue to focus on final assembly and aircraft integration.
Joby’s facility in Dayton, Ohio, is designated for high-volume component manufacturing. According to company reports, this site has already commenced the production of propeller blades. The expansion plan relies on Dayton to scale the production of critical sub-assemblies to support the increased throughput required at the final assembly stages.
A critical enabler of this manufacturing ramp-up is Joby’s deepening relationship with Toyota Motor Corporation. As Joby’s largest external shareholder, Toyota has provided both capital and operational expertise.
In 2025, Toyota invested an additional $500 million into Joby, split into two tranches. Beyond financial backing, Toyota has embedded engineers within Joby’s teams to implement the Toyota Production System (TPS). This methodology focuses on reducing waste and streamlining assembly, which is vital for transitioning from low-volume prototyping to serial production. “Toyota engineers are embedded within Joby’s teams, applying the Toyota Production System (TPS) to streamline assembly, reduce waste, and ensure quality control.”
, Industry Analysis via Web Search Context
While various competitors in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector have announced ambitious capacity targets, Joby’s latest announcement distinguishes itself by focusing on near-term execution rates rather than theoretical maximums.
Competitors such as Archer Aviation and Eve Air Mobility have projected higher annual capacities, 650 and 480 aircraft respectively, once their factories are fully operational. However, Joby’s target of four aircraft per month by 2027 is backed by the current production of FAA-conforming units. In the context of certification, “conforming” means the aircraft are built to the exact standards intended for commercial use, a critical step in the FAA Type Certification process (Stage 4/5).
We observe that while other manufacturers like Beta Technologies have opened production facilities and Volocopter has secured low-volume production approval in Europe, Joby’s specific monthly target suggests a focus on stabilizing the supply chain before attempting mass-market saturation.
The timing of Joby’s manufacturing expansion coincides with a supportive regulatory environment. The White House and Department of Transportation recently released the AAM National Strategy, which provides a framework for infrastructure, security, and automation in the sector.
Furthermore, the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) aims to allow mature aircraft designs to begin limited operations in select markets as early as 2026. Joby intends to participate in this program, which could facilitate early data generation and revenue prior to full fleet-wide certification.
Commercially, Joby has secured an exclusive agreement to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, with a launch targeted for early 2026. In the United States, the company’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business provides access to key terminals in New York and Southern Europe, establishing a clear operational path once production targets are met.
Sources:
Joby Aviation Commits to Doubling U.S. Manufacturing Capacity by 2027
Production Strategy and Facility Roles
Marina, California: The Pilot Line
Dayton, Ohio: High-Volume Components
Strategic Partnership with Toyota
AirPro News Analysis: The Race for Scale
Conforming Aircraft vs. Theoretical Capacity
Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation