Source: Joby Aviation, Inc.
Joby Aviation announced this week it is preparing to assemble the first aircraft built to its final production specifications. This “conforming” aircraft is a critical milestone, as it is the vehicle that will be used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for final flight testing before the company can receive full type certification to carry passengers.
The aircraft is slated to undergo Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight tests, where FAA pilots will personally evaluate its performance and safety. According to the company’s announcement on Wednesday, Joby pilots are expected to begin flying the aircraft later this year, with FAA evaluations to follow. This represents the last major hurdle in the multi-stage certification process required to begin commercial operations.
This latest step builds on a long history of development and real-world testing. The program has been significantly bolstered by a multi-year partnership with the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program, which has already seen Joby deliver multiple pre-production aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base for operational testing. Those earlier prototypes validated the aircraft’s design and provided crucial data leading up to this final conforming model.
Joby executives credit their vertically integrated approach—designing and building components in-house—with accelerating the journey to certification. With backing from Toyota on manufacturing processes and expansions underway in California and Ohio, the company is preparing to produce up to 24 aircraft per year as it moves closer to its goal of launching passenger service.
Joby ended the second quarter of 2025 with $991 million in cash and short-term investments, according to a press release issued on August 6. The company’s balance sheet was bolstered by closing on a $250 million tranche of a larger strategic investment from Toyota.
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- : Joby Aviation, Inc.
