Joby Aviation has significantly expanded the size and production capacity of its pilot manufacturing facility in Marina, California, an essential step in its ongoing efforts to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) to market early next year. The facility now spans 435,500 square feet and is designed to produce up to 24 aircraft annually, equating to nearly one aircraft every two weeks once it reaches full operational capacity.
This upgraded facility will play a vital role in various aspects of Joby’s operations, including federal certification, ground and flight testing, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance. This development is part of the company’s broader strategy to accelerate eVTOL commercialization.
An important aspect of Joby’s strategy involves collaboration with engineering teams from Toyota, one of its main investors, which recently finalized the first phase of a $500 million investment in Joby. As for further production capabilities, skepticism remains about when Joby will hit full production capacity in its facilities. The company has also been asked about its first large-scale facility in Dayton, Ohio, which promises the potential to manufacture up to 500 aircraft annually once it is operational.
The expansion news follows Joby’s recent milestone of adding a sixth aircraft to its fleet, which received airworthiness certification just one week after its assembly. Following its public listing through a SPAC merger in 2021, Joby aims to commence commercial operations in Dubai by early 2026, with intentions to follow up with services in selected U.S. cities.
This ambitious expansion and development strategy showcases Joby’s commitment to shaping the future of urban air mobility, with growing anticipation of its pioneering technology taking flight in the coming years. With significant milestones already achieved, the outlook remains hopeful for the integration of eVTOLs into everyday transportation.