Santa Cruz-Based Electric Air Taxi Company Showcases Demo Flight Across the Bay

"Joby's four-passenger taxi, piloted by Andrea Pingitore, began its trip at Oakland International Airport, shooting across the bay toward the Marin Headlands at 100 mph before turning back around by way of Alcatraz, all in about 10 minutes, and the taxi was essentially silent during the flight."

"Joby says its piloted air taxis will reduce hour-long road trips to 10 minutes or less, with a one-way flight from SoMa to Wine Country costing around $100 to $170, about the same price as an Uber Black luxury town car."

"The US Department of Transportation recently chose Joby for its new federal Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eVTOL), allowing the company to move forward with for-credit testing this year, with trial operations scheduled to begin in a few months in 10 states."

Joby Aviation showcased its four-passenger electric air taxi with a demo flight from Oakland Airport to the Marin Headlands, completing the journey in approximately 10 minutes at 100 mph. The aircraft, measuring 14 meters wide and 7 meters long with six propellers, operates nearly silently. One-way flights are projected to cost $100-$170, comparable to luxury car services. The company was selected for the US Department of Transportation's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, enabling trial operations in 10 states including Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Joby plans specialized services including cargo delivery in Florida and medical operations in North Carolina, with expansion to California anticipated following initial trials.

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