This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation and additional market research.

Joby Aviation Completes Record-Breaking 2025 Flight Campaign, Targets 2026 Launch

Joby Aviation has officially concluded its 2025 flight test campaign, marking a pivotal year in the company’s transition from engineering development to operational maturity. According to a press release issued by the company on December 15, 2025, Joby completed its final international flight demonstration of the year at Japan’s Fuji Speedway, capping off a record-breaking twelve months of testing.

The Santa Cruz-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer reported that its fleet covered more than 50,000 miles (approximately 80,000 km) throughout 2025. This distance was achieved across more than 850 individual flights, representing a significant escalation in activity as the company prepares for commercial service. Joby stated that this operational tempo reflected a 2.6-fold increase in flight volume compared to 2024.

While the company had previously eyed 2025 for initial commercial operations, the focus of the past year remained heavily on validation and regulatory compliance. The data gathered during these extensive tests is intended to support the final phases of Certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with commercial passenger service now targeted for 2026.

Operational Milestones and Global Testing

Joby’s 2025 campaign was characterized by a shift toward high-tempo operational simulation. The company conducted Test-Flights in three major international markets, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities in diverse environmental conditions and controlled airspace.

Key Performance Metrics

According to the company’s official statement, the 2025 testing program achieved the following milestones:

• Total Flights: Over 850 flights completed globally.
• Distance Flown: More than 50,000 miles accumulated in a single year.
• Operational Growth: A 260% increase in flight volume year-over-year.

International Demonstrations

The press release highlights three primary regions where testing took place:

• United States: Extensive testing continued in California, alongside a landmark exhibition flight in New York City, a key launch market for the company.
• Japan: In partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, Joby conducted 14 piloted flights at the Fuji Speedway. These flights are part of the preparation for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
• United Arab Emirates: Joby completed its first piloted air taxi flight in Dubai, landing at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

James “Buddy” Denham, Chief Test Pilot at Joby Aviation, emphasized the significance of these real-world conditions in the company’s announcement:

“2025 saw the most extensive and rigorous flight testing in our history. Flying in active, controlled airspace in three countries… has been a powerful showcase of Joby’s operational maturity.”

The Path to Certification and Commercialization

The data collected throughout 2025 is critical for Joby’s ongoing certification efforts. The company is currently in Stage 4 of the FAA Type Certification process. The flight logs and telemetry from the past year will support the upcoming “Type Inspection Authorization” (TIA) phase in 2026, a rigorous step where FAA pilots will fly the aircraft for certification credit.

Joby has confirmed that its commercial Launch is now scheduled for 2026. This timeline aligns with their strategic agreements in key markets. In Dubai, Joby has secured a 6-year exclusive agreement to operate air taxis, with operations expected to commence as early as 2026. Similarly, launch plans for New York and Los Angeles are proceeding in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Uber.

AirPro News Analysis: Competitive Landscape

While Joby Aviation’s press release focuses on its own operational achievements, the broader eVTOL sector saw intense competition throughout 2025. Based on available market research and industry reports, Joby appears to maintain a lead in terms of actual flight data and miles flown.

Joby vs. The Field:

• Joby Aviation: Leader in flight volume (850+ flights in 2025) and capitalization, with approximately $1 billion in cash reserves reported late in the year.
• Archer Aviation: A strong contender, particularly in the UAE, where it is pushing aggressively for a late 2025 or early 2026 launch.
• Vertical Aerospace: Continues piloted flight tests but faces a tighter financial runway compared to its US-based rivals.
• Lilium: Manned flight testing was pushed to early 2025, with certification targeted for 2026.

Financial data from late 2025 indicates that the market has responded positively to Joby’s progress. The company’s stock (NYSE: JOBY) saw growth of approximately 80-90% year-to-date by December, valuing the company at approximately $13–14 billion. This valuation positions Joby as the most valuable pure-play eVTOL company in the current market.

Strategic Outlook for 2026

The coming year represents the final hurdle for Joby Aviation. With the “Year of the Pilot” concluded, the focus shifts entirely to regulatory finalization. The transition from manufacturer testing to FAA-led testing during the TIA phase will be the ultimate test of the aircraft’s safety and reliability.

In its press statement, the company noted:

“The flight data and insights accumulated this year are directly supporting the final stages of Joby’s FAA certification efforts.”

As the industry races toward the first commercial passenger flight, Joby’s strategy of accumulating massive amounts of flight data appears designed to minimize risk during these final certification stages. With a strong cash position and a proven airframe, the company is well-positioned to execute its 2026 launch plans in Dubai and the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Joby Aviation launch commercial service?
Joby is targeting a commercial launch in 2026, following the completion of FAA certification.

Where will Joby fly first?
The company has announced launch plans for Dubai (UAE), New York, and Los Angeles. Dubai is expected to be one of the first operational markets due to an exclusive 6-year agreement.

Is the Joby aircraft safe?
Joby is currently in Stage 4 of the FAA Type Certification process. The aircraft has undergone rigorous testing, including over 50,000 miles flown in 2025 alone, to prove its safety and reliability to regulators.

Who are Joby’s main partners?
Key partners include Toyota Motor Corporation (manufacturing and testing support), Delta Air Lines, and Uber.

Sources

• Joby Aviation Press Release